Few movies, documentary or otherwise,
capture the relaxed exuberance of Dave Chappelle's Block Party.
This is Chappelle's first project since his show on Comedy Central
received so much popular and critical attention that he apparently had a
psychological meltdown and fled to Africa to escape. You can still see a
hint of weariness and wariness in his eyes--but even more you can see
his relief to be launching a project that bears no expectations. Funded
by his own money and free to all who attended, Chappelle set up a secret
concert location in Brooklyn and pulled together a musical lineup of
stellar acts, including Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Mos Def, Jill Scott,
Common, the Roots, Dead Prez, and the reunion of the Fugees, all of whom
give vibrant performances. |