When today's movie-goers hear the word "documentary," serious films like "Fahrenheit 9/11" (2004) and even "March of the Penguins" (2005) probably come to mind. One would not immediately think of an MTV-like experience, replete with comedy, hip-hop, rap and R&B music. However, "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" is exactly that - a documentary with humor and soul.
In August of 2004, comedian Dave Chappelle threw Brooklyn a free block party. Filmed on location in Brooklyn and Ohio, the documentary chronicles the days leading up to the top-secret block party and the event itself.
Featuring the talents of superstars such as Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, The Roots, the reunited Fugees and many more, the music in this film is more than just your average rapper's delight. Also adding flare and a few touching moments is the marching band from Ohio's Central State University.
Chappelle got his party started where he got his own start, his hometown of Yellow Springs, Ohio. He ran around town, giving free concert and bus tickets to random people he knew, offering tickets to college students and even the old woman who ran the convenience store. Those who accepted - including some who admitted having never listened to a hip-hop record in their lives - were bussed out to Brooklyn for free to enjoy the party of a lifetime.
Once in New York, Chappelle toured the cameras through the neighborhood in Brooklyn in which the concert was to take place. He spoke with store and home owners to get them to come to the concert and donate their land. Chappelle included the audience in every aspect, touring the cameras through the rehearsal areas as well. He said, with clear excitement, "This is the concert I always wanted to see."
The concert, the so-called "Woodstock of hip-hop," was amazing. The biggest superstars in hip-hop performed, including the reunited Fugees as the headlining act. But "Block Party" is more than the story of a concert; it examines important social issues. The movie relays a message of togetherness and peace in regard to interracial relationships.
Word of warning: Do not see "Block Party" if you are expecting two hours of Dave Chappelle stand-up. Chappelle is funny as always in the movie but does not perform any of his stand-up. The documentary is much closer to "Making the Video" than an episode of "The Chappelle Show." There are no Lil' John impressions (HAAA-WHAT?!?) or funny sketches. Chappelle keeps it real, only throwing in some of his characteristic humor now and then.
The lack of Chappelle's characteristically loud humor does not take away from the movie at all; it adds to it. This movie is not about Dave Chappelle. It's about a block party with amazing music on a rainy day in Brooklyn. It's about people coming together to enjoy music and have a good time.
Audiences have a good time, too, thanks in a large part to director Michael Gondry. The cinematography is good, although it sometimes seemed a little too MTV. But since the film is directed by the Oscar-winning director of "Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind" (2004), would you really ex pect bad technical work?
"Block Party" is a good film that documented what appeared to be an amazing concert. It is an enjoyable movie that will make you wish you had gotten one of Chappelle's free tickets.
