Rating: R | Runtime: 103 minutes
Release Date: March 3rd, 2006 (USA)
Studio: Rogue Pictures
Director(s): Michel Gondry
Writer(s): Dave Chappelle

Turn off the radio.

It’s very refreshing to see a Michel Gondry film with hardly any earmarks to tell you he made it. Besides the opening titles being drawn in bright colors on the fence behind Dave Chappelle and one instance where we hear Gondry’s French accent ask Jill Scott a question, this could be any old concert film. Well, I shouldn’t say that. Block Party is definitely a one of a kind, behind the scenes look at a bunch of people giving back to the community while having a great time. Chappelle says it best when discussing why he put this free show together in Brooklyn: he was a fan of each artist before he met them and this is a concert he’d like to see. While I’m hardly the biggest rap/hip-hop fan, it is quite the show.

Even I got goosebumps and understood the talent on stage. When you have The Roots going with Scott and Erykah Badu singing backup, it’s something special. Not to mention Common and Mos Def rapping with everyone, Dead Prez singing with Chappelle’s commentary, Kanye West coming out with the Ohio State University marching band playing “Jesus Walks” behind him, and the reuniting of The Fugees. The music is top-notch and yet the concert aspect isn’t the best part.

No, Gondry has spliced in some wonderful nuggets of candid looks, comedic moments, and historical tidbits to enhance the background soundtrack. Being the music video maestro he is, I can’t think of someone better to portray the true meaning of the show with the event itself. He infuses each moment with the heart that went into it, cross-cutting stories of the attendees with practice sessions and live performances devoid of a single false move.

Chappelle’s rapport is something to see as well. He’s self-deprecating and compassionate to all that cross his path, culling a diverse group of people from his Ohio hometown to join fans coming into Brooklyn to watch the stage in front of Broken Angel—a derelict building being restored into something better than it ever was. (And Dave’s personally scouted location for any Hollywood film in need of a crack house.) That place, however, not only supplies an intriguing venue coupled with the day care center next door (the manager allowed them use of its roof as a box seat), but also two of the eccentric characters that shape the movie.

The elderly couple living in that house is out-there yet real, enough that you’re able to see past the get-ups and crazed stereotypes you might be imagining. This is a couple married for forty-six years with quite the story about how they decided to join lives. They also don’t enjoy rap because of all the swearing and language that’s inappropriate for adults let alone children. Even so, they stick around and partake in the event while offering a place for Dave to rest his loins whenever needed as the many others do—including his elderly white shop workers from Ohio and that “one Mexican” who can’t be found.

The anecdotes and confessionals shine as they’re peppered throughout the musical acts. The OSU marching band story is great, especially if Dave accidentally finding them is true since they’re a perfect example for what he’s trying to accomplish. Words from one musician about how young people must seize their opportunity and how all these famous people are just like him—enjoying the talents of everyone else—really hit home.

Also, the band’s presence allows for a wonderful coda from Wyclef Jean after a nice solo at the piano. Strong words about how these young kids shouldn’t use excuses or blame “the man” for their troubles hold meaning in this venue. He says that he came to America not knowing English and found a way to become a success. If they want to follow, they must show that initiative and not hide behind laziness. You want to learn something and better yourself, go to the library. Education is there for the taking if you want it.

Besides the messages and morals thrown around, I really just enjoyed Block Party’s “inside look.” Hearing what someone like Jill Scott has to say about Badu’s effect on her. Lauryn Hill explaining how The Fugees formed while Pras talks about the differences he and Wyclef had breaking the group apart. The bureaucracy surrounding why that trio reformed for this (Columbia didn’t give Hill clearance to sing her solo songs on the film).

A lot went into the creation of this historic event and the filmmakers do it justice. You know it’s been a success when you can go through the whole review without really touching on the star’s comic routine. Chappelle is definitely funny at every turn while cracking some spot-on jokes, challenging a fan to a rap dual on stage, and just having a blast. Block Party is definitely something to experience.

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Dave Chappelle in DAVE CHAPPELLE’S BLOCK PARTY.