Cathardincu
Surprisingly incoherent and boring
Glucedee
It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
Voxitype
Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.
eric262003
In a lot of scenarios, documentary film chronicle events that are provocative, but not being given the attention that it truly deserves. "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" takes a contrasting route being that it was created just for the sake of it being there in front of a live audience. But there's more than this film than Chappelle and company performing in front of a live audience. It's quite noteworthy because the music performed here is well energetic and executed to perfection and it's something that Chappelle would be capable of producing due to his fame at the time as a successful stand-up comic and that the musicians that are performing sing to the songs he could relate to. This is quite reminiscent to a time period when a plethora of musicians were able to freely lend their voices for a good cause while Chappelle wanted to offer something cool to the people at the same time. The movie is presented in three fragments which are the interviews, the rehearsal features and the live performances and just enough small periods when Chappelle gets to interact with his fans. You might enjoy the music depending on your favourite kind of music. The genre of music is rap, hip-hop, R&B and maybe even some jazz and blues for good measure. The main emphasis is rap music because Chappelle addresses numerous times in this documentary. A Brooklyn lady does utter her disdain towards rap music due to the gratuitous foul language, but its still par for the course as Chappelle loosely swears during his comedy routines which further expands the controversy of his "Block Party". But with the exception Dead Prez and pre-famed Kayne West, the performers are for the majority tamed in content(The Fugees singing "Killing Me Softly" amongst others). Director Michel Gondry raises the bar towards why this documentary was made and what its intentions were. The feeling I get was that it was to avoid any specific type of alienation from their audience. And to use this as a status symbol to unify people of all races, religions, creeds, orientations and whatnot while at the same having fun and interacting with their fans and critics alike. Of course the music selected may not be counting in everyone's tastes and there will be people vocal about their disdain, but at the same time their opinions won't be ostracized. What makes "Block Party" so magical is that the coolness is nonstop. The musical moments are very poetic and quite meaningful in detail. After seven of splitting up, The Fugees reunite even it was by default because Lauryn Hill's songs didn't get permitted to be featured here. The group were not quite on friendly terms during rehearsals and interviews, but chose their words carefully so one would walk out during the live show. But when their turn comes up, they just nailed their performance. There are some wonderful scenes where Chappelle chats with inner-city kids at a youth centre as a way to show this "Block Party" shows just how caring he is and isn't just doing this for ego and attention. Another memorable scene was when he was in his home state of Ohio and invites a college marching band to Brooklyn to be part of his Block Party. The best part was that it was all expenses paid, the charter buses got paid and they amazed the crowd by performing "Jesus Walks" with Kayne West. Even though, "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" generated a gala event of fun, entertainment and energy that just about chases all your troubles away and it does. At least I hoped it would. But after such events occurred, I couldn't help feeling a tad bit icky inside of me afterward. Not me personally, but the leading performers kind of retreated into being reclusive afterwards. For one I found this to be one of Chappelle's final hurrah before retreating and really has been keeping a lower profile in the last decade. The same can be said about Lauryn Hill who only sporadically pops up here and there, but has succumbed to a life outside the public spectrum. The music is awesome, the atmosphere is spontaneous and though it's not up the same level as "Wattstax", it still an enjoyable show and offers a lot of fun for everyone to enjoy.
Python Hyena
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2005): Dir: Michel Gondry / Featuring: Dave Chappelle, Kanye West, Mos Def, Dead Pres, Common: Engaging documentary about talent and race. Comedian Dave Chappelle claims that this is the concert that he has always wanted to see and to see it through he goes about meeting various people and inviting them to his block party, which will feature performances from such acts as Kanye West, Mos Def, Dead Pres, etc. Chappelle invites a marching band including producing two buses to transport them. He goes to a daycare centre where he brings joy to the children there. He even invites various elderly folks who perhaps wouldn't have any interest or tolerance of rap music. On stage he delivers on the jokes while viewers are also given the enthusiasm of artists who see this as a grand opportunity. Many of these artists have claimed success on the music charts but view this as more personal. These performances are in tow with Chappelle's with an audience joining in. Structure is divided into concert footage and Chappelle's visits to various locations. Directed by Michel Gondry who made the inspiring and creative Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and here he tackles documentaries. Strong themes throughout include uniting of race and a tremendous case for rap musicians who render this one block party worth attending. Score: 7 ½ / 10
view_and_review
I remember when Dave Chappelle played Ahchoo in "Robin Hood Men in Tights", I remember seeing Dave Chappelle live on New Year's Eve '97 in Oakland, Ca., I remember Dave Chappelle playing the obnoxious comedian in "The Nutty Professor". My my how Comedy Central helped propel Dave to stardom.The Block Party was funny and entertaining. I like what Dave Chappelle did for the people of Brooklyn, because how else would they be able to see such an event without spending a week's pay on tickets. I'm even more impressed with Dave Chappelle's musical artist selection. There were some very positive and articulate artists performing. That was very inspirational to see. What seemed like it was going to be just a meaningless comedy actually turned out to be a very positive and meaningful documentary.
kosmasp
Block Party is a documentary movie by Michel Gondry. But of course the name on top is Dave Chappelle. I watched the movie, even before I had watched one episode of the Chappelle Show, so I wasn't influenced by any of that. But you don't have to be. Right from the start you'll understand, that Dave is a comedian. A comedian with a taste for good music ...Although that depends, on what you see as good. And I don't think, it would make much sense to watch this, if you don't like soul, funk and R&B music at all. There is nothing much to spoiler here story-wise though. Dave Chappelle is out to organize a Block Party (whaddaya think, will he make it? ;o) The only thing that can be a surprise for you, are the performers. So you know that Mos Def, will be there, but if you wanna be surprised, by the other names that will appear, don't look at the "cast" list here at IMDb, go watch this funny movie instead! :o)
