REVIEWED - DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY: The US equivalent of what we would call a street party, block parties are generally small-scale community endeavours where neighbours chip in with food and drink, writes Michael Dwyer
In September 2004, comedian Dave Chappelle upped the ante all the way when he organised his own block party in Brooklyn, attracting a guest list of hot hip-hop and rap performers and even bringing The Fugees back together after seven years.
Setting his sights high is not at all unusual for Chappelle, who has become one of the wealthiest comedians in the world and has figured on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list. He makes several matter-of-fact jokes about his earnings in the movie. He is the perfect host, and the movie coasts along on his easy natural charm.
"This is the concert I've always wanted to see," Chappelle says at the outset, and we grow to share his enthusiasm, such is the infectious exuberance of the on-stage talent list. Michel Gondry's record of the event intercuts the performances with footage of the rehearsals and logistical preparations for the event. This includes Chappelle's visit to Dayton, Ohio - the state where he was reared and still lives - to hand out "golden tickets" entitling local people to transportation to the concert and accommodation in New York.
Chappelle invites an entire Dayton university marching band, and they blend gloriously with Kanye West, John Legend and Common for a spirited rendition of Jesus Walks. There are several other inspired match-ups on the bill, as when Jill Scott duets with Erykah Badu (in a huge afro wig that resembles candy floss), when Chappelle riffs on race with Mos Def on drums, and when a radiant Lauren Hill takes to the stage with Wyclef Jean and other former Fugees.
Music videos veteran Gondry directed the movie after he made the emotionally and structurally complex Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and he clearly revels in the freewheeling simplicity of the invigorating entertainment that is Dave Chappelle's Block Party.
