Synopsis
The American comedian/actor delivers a story about the alternative Hip Hop scene. A small town Ohio mans moves to Brooklyn, New York, to throw an unprecedented block party.
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Cast
- Dave ChappelleSelf
- Erykah BaduSelf
- CommonSelf
- Yasiin BeySelf - (as Mos Def)
- BilalSelf
- Lil' CeaseSelf
- Cody ChestnuTTSelf
- James 'Kamal' GraySelf
- Lauryn HillSelf
- Leonard 'Hub' HubbardSelf
Recommendations
- 100
Entertainment Weekly
The enthralling spirit of Dave Chappelle's Block Party, its mood of exuberant democracy, extends to every rap and soul performance in the film. - 90
Dallas Observer
The film, from its deadpan start to its languorous finish, provides the most joyous moviegoing experience in years. - 90
The Hollywood Reporter
The word "community" has become a cliche, but this party, both backstage and before the crowd, illustrates a specific sense of cultural community and the singular bliss of standing on a city street in late-summer rain for a once-in-a-lifetime concert. - 90
The New York Times
Mr. Chappelle looks and sounds alternately ebullient and weary. It was directed by Michel Gondry, the madcap genius behind "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," but in its tone and vibe feels like Mr. Chappelle's all the way. - 83
The A.V. Club
Block Party is largely a giant love-fest, which is fitting given the staggering amount of simpatico musical and comic talent on display, though some conflict surfaces nevertheless. - 80
Variety
A heady spirit of spontaneity permeates the proceedings, suggesting the entire pic, much like the concert it documents, was conceived, planned and completed in a single burst of creative enthusiasm. - 80
Village Voice
This picture remains faithful to the underlying affability of both Chappelle and Gondry, orchestrating a feel-good homestyle vibe that, while peppered with moments of sly political commentary, never harshes its own, slightly bittersweet mellow. - 80
L.A. Weekly
Results in moments of real beauty that make you grateful Chappelle chose an aesthete for directing chores. And yet, in terms of content, the film doesn't quite reach the bar set by its historic predecessor (Wattstax).
