lambiepie-2 Dave Chappelle's film 'Block Party' felt like one of the longest films in the world - basically because I found it sublime and terribly boring.But - the redeeming value for those who are interested in seeing the film: those who like watching a perpetually stoned semi-funny comedian going back to Brooklyn, New York (or there abouts) to stage a "block party" for the neighborhood and those that like the line up of acts chosen. Since I was not interested or made interested by either, this film didn't connect for me.As a comedian, I find that Dave Chappelle is a "hit or miss". Some things he sketches out and performs are as funny as heck, some things he does are rather mean spirited, blatantly racist (and let me clarify that by saying - just because he's an African American, it does not give him license to be racist against African Americans while others are condemned for doing so) and just plain unthoughtful.Here, his comedic style/social commentary really doesn't matter for nothing he did even cracked a smile on my face, or left me with an afterthought.The alleged philanthropy angle of the film was what most disgusted me - there really wasn't one of merit. I was not impressed, nor did I find it funny. I found it pandering and self-serving and that is not the intention behind philanthropy although that is what it may have turned into. While it's a nice idea to stage an outdoor concert (in this day and time all I have to do is turn on the New York bases morning shows "Today" or "Good Morning America", et al to see one so this was not unique) there wasn't anyone cast I would remotely be interested in watching n film - but for those who do like these folks, this film may be an enjoyable venture depending on who got more film time than others and why.And rather than walking Dave Chappelle through the neighborhood giving out "golden tickets" to the show, (yes, it was more of a "show" than a "block party") why not walk him through the Brooklyn neighborhood giving out real "golden tickets": Educational College Grants/scholarships under his name. But that would not make an interesting film - in the same way this doesn't make an interesting film. For how much this cost to do, that would have been a better idea and would have yielded better, long term rewards for that area. Let me just add here that one of the reasons why this act left me sour is that I am tired of seeing African Americans who have some kind of recognition do nothing more but stage "concerts" and think they're improving neighborhoods and the poor within them by doing so. This is just one more example of missing an opportunity to do something long lasting really worth a darn. This film was a waste of celluloid and the showcasing of musical talent for me, but hey, Chappelle and his production folks made money to keep him "comfortably numb" for a few more years and the 'hip hop' (or whatever you may call them now) "musicians of the minute" chosen to appear got an opportunity to be seen and heard to the fans that support them.

tomq5p Even though this film has been billed as "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," Chapelle is upstaged by the musicians who perform in the film, especially the live band that plays the music for all the acts. Dead Prez, Kanye West, Talib Kweli and others put on a pretty good show and the concept of the film is interesting, but Chappelle's comedy and narration aren't that good. His jokes are only moderately funny and sometimes offensive (although I guess that's to be expected from him). If you see this film, see it because you like conscious hip-hop and live music, not because you like "Chappelle's Show." Despite his weak comedy, Chappelle has to be given props for assembling all the performers and making this concert happen. He pulled it off without a hitch, except for the rain (that wasn't a spoiler, was it?). 7 out of 10

turningworm I REALLY wanted to like this movie, and I guess I'd have to say that I did like it, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. The first 30 minutes when he is in Ohio trying to get people to come to the show were the most entertaining parts. Then they spend an inordinate amount of time exploring the oddness of this old hippie couple who live in this weird house near the stage area. After that it was like watching a party that you wish you were at, because something clearly didn't translate to film. The musical performances were good, but not great. Mos Def delivers a solid performance, but gets 3x as much screen time as everyone else, which seemed odd. Lauryn Hill has this hugely anticipated Fugees reunion only to completely butcher "Killing Me Softly". Jill Scott is awesome, but is singing songs that don't showcase her voice well at all. John Legend barely even plays in the concert. Erykah Badu was fantastic, but... why the wig? Dead Prez did a great show, I wasn't very familiar with them before this. The Roots kick ass, as always. I would suggest renting this when you have some paperwork to do. It makes a good background movie.

mrodgers2 Prior to watching this film, I thought it was going to be a Dave Chappelle comedy with a few musical acts performing- the musical acts supporting the comedy. However,it ended up where this film is primarily the making of a concert narrated by Chappelle. I may be wrong, but I expected to see more comedy out of Chappelle since he is, you know, a comic. Maybe some stand up and a few skits. What we basically have in this movie is Chappelle going around and having people tell him how great he is. I feel this film should have been marketed more as a concert film because, as it is, it is a bit misleading. If you are into hip hop, you will find some enjoyment in this film because of some of the acts that perform. If you have no interest in hip hop, you will probably hate this film because there is very little comedy.