When are us humans truly innocent? I don’t usually roll philosophical in reviews but I’m making a special exception for a special film. So, I’ll ask the question once more and hope this time you think about it – When are we truly innocent? You’d have to eliminate most of your life I’d think, not that you are a crime lord or full of guilt, but don’t you generally have an angle, a card to play, or some type of self serving interest for most of your actions? Well, folks Dave Chappelle and director Michel Gondry have hit upon something amazing that GIVES BACK – humor and comedy, the last two bastions showcasing the generosity of human spirit.
This is an incredibly well done film that highlights a few days in September, 2004. The premise is wickedly simple, Dave is getting all of his hip-hop and rap pals together for a good old fashioned block party in the heart of Bed-Stuy (Do OR die), NY. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this is the cultural center of black America, perfectly chosen to show both the heartache and integrity of a particular community. Jay-Z grew up a few blocks away in Marcy Projects, Notorious B.I.G. is from Bedfort-Stuyvesant proper. Chappelle knows his stuff and knows if he brings acclaimed acts such as The Fugees and Kanye West together mixed in with political powers such as Dead Prez and the Roots and then throws in power ladies like Badu and Jill Scott he’s damn sure going to have something amazing. Quite frankly he does. The songs are interspersed with the comedy and contain at least five goosebump chill worthy moments. The music takes this film to a whole new level (G-funk step to this, I dare ya).
Now, as for the man himself, Sir David, he’s funny falling out of bed. He’s funny in the shower. He’s funny if you woke him up in the middle of the night and dragged him to a field blindfolded and told him to make you laugh right there and then. In other words he oozes funny. He’s the human quip machine. His material truly isn’t that funny if you saw a transcript, but Chappelle makes every comedic moment a happening and you WILL laugh, or you will head back to the retirement home, either way is acceptable. Some people are born to just play, day or night, in a moat or with a boat. Chappelle can just play. Don’t ever sleep on him.
The editing of this film is also no less than brilliant. Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) somehow captured the spirit of this wild and beautiful moment in time – this film would’ve been a real disaster without adequate pacing. We are brought to the important moments, the moments with power and joy behind them. Kayne West watching a marching band, Wyclef Jean playing in a basement telling kids how to better themselves. I haven’t even mentioned guys like Common or Big Daddy Kane, guys who are merely great as opposed to transcendent like some of the other acts.
What warnings do I have about Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, only the second flick I’ve ever given an A+ to? Well, it feels a tad long because so many moments are emotionally investing. I’d also say if you absolutely despise rap or hip-hop you’d be hard pressed to enjoy the message and meaning here. Will this movie be a commercial success? I can’t see how, though I’m hoping against all odds. This is the music and comedy of America’s youth, with all its anger and hope intertwined. It’s the music of rebels mixed with the beautiful spice of a total loon on the edge. Scary good. I hope you take some advice and get some. Word is bond.
