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Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006)
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Reviews Counted: 119
Fresh: 109
Rotten:10
Average Rating: 7.7/10
Consensus: Dave Chappelle's Block Party is a raucous return to the spotlight for the comic. Buoyed by Chappelle's witty, infectious humor and outstanding performances from some of the more socially conscious artists in hip-hop like Mos Def, Kayne West, the Roots, and (will wonders never cease?) the reunited Fugees, this documentary/concert film is a joyous experience. With an appealing mix like that, who doesn't want to attend this Party?
Theatrical Release:Mar 3, 2006 Wide
Box Office: $11,694,528
Synopsis: A genuine crowd-pleaser, Dave Chappelle's Block Party spotlights comedy superstar Dave Chappelle as he presents a Brooklyn neighborhood with its very own once-in-a-lifetime free block party. The... A genuine crowd-pleaser, Dave Chappelle's Block Party spotlights comedy superstar Dave Chappelle as he presents a Brooklyn neighborhood with its very own once-in-a-lifetime free block party. The unprecedented combination of comedy and music was shot on location. In addition to Mr. Chappelle performing all-new material, the stellar roster of artists includes Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Dead Prez, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, the Roots, Cody ChesnuTT, Big Daddy Kane, and - reunited for their first performance in over seven years - the Fugees. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michel Gondry and his Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind cinematographer Ellen Kuras capture all of the exclusive performances and crowd excitement on an unforgettable Saturday afternoon and night, as well as (earlier in the week) private rehearsals footage and Mr. Chappelle in the small Ohio town he calls home. In Ohio, Mr. Chappelle wandered through town handing out golden tickets to invite several dozen citizens to join the party, providing transportation and lodging for their first-time-ever visit to Brooklyn. Ohio's Central State University marching band made the trip and helped kick off the festivities at the intersection of Quincy and Downing Streets. As a diverse crowd comes together, Mr. Chappelle's freestyle wit guides them (and us) through a day-long, life-affirming celebration of music and comedy, history and community. The lineup of performers is distinguished not only by the caliber of their music but also by the strength and power that their art draws from keeping their creativity pure. Offering moviegoers front-row seats at a unique entertainment and communal experience, Dave Chappelle's Block Party showcases how vital and vibrant music and humor can unite us and help transcend our turbulent times. --© Rogue Pictures [More]
Starring: Dave Chappelle, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Kanye West
Starring: Dave Chappelle, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Big Daddy Kane, Fugees, Roots, Common, Freeway, Dead Prez, Mos Def, Fred Hampton Jr.
Director: Michel Gondry
Director: Michel Gondry
Producer: Dave Chappelle, Michel Gondry, Bob Yari
Studio: Rogue Pictures
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Reviews for Dave Chappelle's Block Party
Gondry brings a caught-on-the-fly style to the footage that nonetheless coheres into something that feels planned, or pre-ordained.
Dull and repetitive. Your own reaction to it will depend a lot on how well you like these particular artists performing in concert.
Easily overshadowed by the musical performers, particularly The Fugees, reunited to deliver a most-moving rendition of Killing Me Softly, it is easy to understand why Dave withdrew into his shell, after watching his lame stand-up act here.
It's no Last Waltz, but this crowd-pleasing concert film offers an entertaining mix of music and comedy.
A concert film for people who don't like concert films, Dave Chappelle's Block Party does such a good job of putting you in the middle of the action that only the end credits can remind you that you're sitting in a movie theatre.
Yes, there's a little preachiness here, but it doesn't puncture the party mood. Or stop Chappelle telling dirty jokes about prostitutes, for that matter. Thanks to him this isn't just a musical feast, but a rib-busting comedy too.
As a comedy, it doesn't quite gel. As a musical it doesn't have much more luck, but as a showcase for Chappelle's talents, Block Party works just fine.
Chappelle keeps things lively, joking on camera, punctuating the acts with gags , while Michel Gondry maintains our interest, focusing as much on Chappelle’s energy and wit, and goings-on behind the scenes, as the gig itself.
The atmosphere is genuinely infectious - the fact that the event is packed, despite pouring rain, speaks volumes.
Because Chappelle's really digging into who people are... he has the capacity to adeptly grasp such perennial wellsprings of humor as class conflict to a degree unparalleled by modern entertainers...
One of the best films of the year so far, this party begins with an inspired act of generosity: Dave Chappelle handing out golden tickets to a New York block festival, featuring hip-hop's biggest acts.
Dave Chappelle's Block Party parvient à capturer l'esprit de fête, autant celui de la mise en %u0153uvre que de l'événement lui-même, avec une efficacité à toute épreuve.
Gondry doesn't seriously push the visual envelope; all he's doing is assembling a souvenir, an almost great document of a party most of us missed.
Chappelle frequently fades to the sideline as the musical groups take over, offering a blisteringly memorable snapshot of hip hop's state of the art in 2004.
[Chappelle's] an edgy comedian, but his purpose with the concert and film is to make a diverse crowd feel comfortable with one another. More than any message, that effort is likely to be remembered.
No, it’s not Shakespeare, it’s not Citizen Kane, but when a movie is this funny, addictive, affectionate, energetic, uplifting and aware of the world and its people and their hearts, it is just as much a triumph.
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