Dave Chappelle's Block Party (R, 2006)

In this innovative film, comedian Dave Chappelle invited his friends to a block party for a dose of his edgy comedy, and musical performances by some of today's most original and politically progressive hip-hop artists. These friends include Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, and the Roots, as well as a few folks he's met round the way in his small hometown, just outside Dayton, Ohio. Chappelle's commentary and jokes expose cultural ignorance while encouraging self-education and self-awareness. Using comedy to make clear what's at stake in social justice and entertainment as activism, Chappelle makes progressive politics fun and effective. Musical performances include the Brooklyn Stepper and Kanye West marching to the stage with Ohio's Central University's marching band, an emotional Fugees reunion, a collaboration by Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, and one from Talib Kweli and Mos Def, who exhort listeners to pay attention to the injustice and complacency around them, in "Get By."

Directed by the always inventive Michel Gondry and shot by brilliant cinematographer Ellen Kuras, the smart and provocative DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY underlines the point of Dave Chappelle's comedy, namely, to bring people together to speak openly and intelligently about daily life problems, social and political, immediate and historical. The film marks Chappelle's return to "public life" after his much publicized absence. Here, the comedian is back to form in energetic, insightful full force, at ease among people he likes and admires. And most, if not all, of the musical performances are excellent.

Studio: Focus Features
Director: Michel Gondry
Cast: Dave Chappelle, Mos Def, Wyclef Jean
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: March 3, 2006
DVD release: June 13, 2006
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: for language.