Dave Chapelle hosts an entertaining
'Block Party'
Ryan Howard / Reviewer
Dave Chapelle is back, after an extended leave of absence
from the public eye. The comedian returns to the big screen
in "Dave Chapelle's Block Party." And, although
his name is in the title, this film is very much a
collaborative effort. Chapelle shares the spotlight with Mos
Def, Erika Badu, Kanye West, The Fugees, the Central State
University Marching Band and some ordinary "folks from
Ohio."
This film has a great rhythm to it. The pacing is excellent,
as the scenes alternate from the block party to the events in
the three days that precede it.
Chapelle hosts the movie and sets the tone with his amusing,
down-to-earth outlook on life. The audience is afforded a
somewhat more personal view of the comedian than is seen on
TV.
Backstage interviews with the musical artists also provide a
more intimate look at these very public personalities. The
audience gets a chance to see their true personalities as
they interact with each other.
It is clear that everyone involved with the concert has a
great respect for one another, which fuels the viewer's
respect for them as well. Their musical performances,
interspersed throughout the film, propel the movie forward.
It is fun and amusing to see the ordinary people Chapelle
picks up on the way to his concert. It is an unusual blend of
whites, blacks, middle-aged women, kids, store clerks and
parole officers. Chapelle also arranges for the Ohio Central
State University's marching band to travel to Brooklyn to
perform at the block party.
It is touching to see them be able to take this opportunity.
Watching them perform "Jesus Walks" with Kanye West
is so inspiring the audience clapped and cheered.
The movie's only setback is the photography. Although
some rough shots are to be expected in this, as they would in
any documentary, there are too many out of focus shots, and
some that are so shaky it is hard to watch them. This should
not be a deterrent to seeing the movie. "Dave
Chapelle's Block Party" is a great, fun cinematic
experience and it is well worth your time and money.
Contact Ryan Howard at pendulum@elon.edu or
278-7247.
| 
Photo
courtesy of KRT Campus