More than just a kick-ass concert film with hilarious interludes by the host, “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” is a celebration of community — a reaffirmation in troubled times that music and laughter really do make the world go ‘round. The pairing of the shockingly funny comedian and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” director Michel Gondry might not seem an obvious one at first, but boy did it ever work out swimmingly.
Gondry is an accomplished music video vet and his considerable skills are on full-display in the concert footage, featuring rousing performances from Kanye West (performing the hell out of “Jesus Walks”), Mos Def, Dead Prez, Erykah Badu (sporting an Angela Davis afro wig) and a reunited Fugees (“Killing Me Softly” kills). Gondry and his crew shot “Block Party” in grainy Super 16 hand-held cameras to give it a look and feel apropos to the unkempt Bed-Stuy neighborhood where Chappelle staged a surprise one — rainy-day musical extravaganza in September 2004. Chappelle is very relaxed throughout, whether handing out “Golden Tickets” to ordinary folks in his erstwhile hometown of Dayton, Ohio, or joking with his famous friends in the makeshift backstage area.
Chappelle’s enthusiasm is infectious, his comedic timing sharp as ever, his musical taste impeccable. “Block Party” is 100 minutes of hip-shaking, gut-busting joy, and is hands down one of the most entertaining concert films ever made. (Rated R. Running time: 100 minutes)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 4, 2006. Read the original PDF.