Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

Let's start with the obvious: Dave Chappelle is the funniest man alive—or at least one of the top three. Anyone who has seen his Comedy Central show knows what a busted gut feels like, and judging from the title of his latest film, we came ready to laugh. But other than a few inspired comedy bits, this is really just a showcase for a lot of disparate musical acts, from Kanye West to Big Daddy Kane to a reunion of the Fugees. Directed by an uninspired Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), the best parts take place in Ohio, where Dave wanders through his unsuspecting hometown to hand out "golden tickets" granting free transportation and lodging for his Brooklyn happening. Unfortunately, when they all show up (including Central State University's marching band), Chappelle's stand-up takes a back seat to the music. Although entertaining and breezy, this ersatz concert flick is a disappointing substitute for the kind of balls-out Chappelle-a-thon we were really craving.

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