06/11/06 Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2005), directed by Michel Gondry

watched w/ Joel; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

Never having seen the famous concert film "Wattstax" that inspired Chappelle & Gondry to recreate the vibe of culture, comedy and urban music to the masses; I was totally banking on this film to be great in its own right for supplying us an informal medium to showcase Chappelle's comedic genius and all of the awesome rap/R&B musicians performing. I was not disappointed with the efforts here, as all involved came together in the name of fun to bring happiness and local block parties of days gone by. Just listen to the list of socially conscious and talented musicians that are featured here: The Roots, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Jill Scott, Dead Prez, Common, Cody Chesnutt, Big Daddy Kane, John Legend, and the surprise reunion of the Fugees! Damn. Only a guy with as much clout, personality and genuine kindness could pull those together, as Chappelle does with ease. The vibe is definitely one of a bunch of friends who have come together to have fun, bring awareness to social issues, joke around, and create a memorable concert-going experience. Chappelle takes the experience another level further, as he plays a veritable "Willy Wonka" to the people in his home state of Ohio, passing out golden tickets to award lucky folks to travel to the Brooklyn, NY neighborhood where the concert has been secretly planned. Spliced into the concert footage and backstage interviews with musicians is Chappelle's clever witticism and comedy stylings displayed in various public areas (barber-shops, convenience stores, and college campuses). What's more, is that you get to see Chappelle in a very human light: just being himself, bringing different people together, philosophizing the world, comparing comedy to music, and reaching out to the community (as he invites & provides for a local college's marching band to come participate in the concert). Chappelle's hilarious, and all these musicians are fantastic (and if you didn't know that before, then check this out). As the Spanish Lil' John would say..."Que?!...Que?!...Si!" And I do have to give a special thanks to Leslie for allowing me the privilege of seeing this film (which she really wanted to see) without her, as she was out of town.

5 out of 5 stars