Parents' Guide to

Dave Chappelle's Block Party

By Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Provocative -- for older teens and adults only.

Movie R 2006 100 minutes
Dave Chappelle's Block Party Poster Image

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What's the Story?

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 Yasiin Bey, who exhort listeners to pay attention to the injustice and complacency around them, in "Get By."

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Directed by the always inventive Michel Gondry and shot by brilliant cinematographer Ellen Kuras, DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY is smart and provocative. It 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the social and political issues the film raises: institutionalized racism and poverty, sexism, and violence. How can comedy and musical performances provoke open dialogue about these concerns? Is the excessive profanity necessary?

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