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Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Enigmatic comedian hosts his dream concert, Michel Gondry documents it
By TOM MEEK  |  March 2, 2006
3.0 3.0 Stars
Dave ChappelleDave Chappelle, who made millions doing his nasal shtick on Comedy Central and then enigmatically walked away, has spent his down time on a trip to Africa and on this low-budget documentary — directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), of all people — about the comedian’s effort to stage a free rap concert in the middle of a rundown Brooklyn neighborhood, just so folks can have a good time. The result is slick and invigorating. Chappelle has no difficulty sliding socio-political barbs about race and injustice in between gutbusters. The music from Kanye West, Mos Def, the Fugees, and Dead Prez is angry, infectious, and propelled by funk-soul ardor. And Chappelle comes off as humble and introspective as he entertains inner-city youth at a day-care center and during a trip back home to Dayton, where he invites old acquaintances and friends to the show including a chalk-white granny who accepts with glee.
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  Topics: Reviews , Entertainment, Hip-Hop and Rap, Music,  More more >
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Comments
Dave Chappelle's Block Party
Long story short, the result is not only hands-down the best hip-hop concert film ever made, but also a genuinely moving piece of film-making that somehow nearly brought me to tears in parts. Fundamentally, this is a heart-warming tribute to the power of hip-hop, just as 'A Great Day In Harlem' was for jazz and 'Woodstock' and 'The Last Waltz' were for rock n' roll. Though there was certainly some roughness in the sound mix and image quality at this particular screening, the vitality of the film was evident in spades.
By yo momma on 03/03/2006 at 4:50:33

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