Metacritic Movie Ratings
Dave Chappelle's Block Party Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 100

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  The enthralling spirit of Dave Chappelle's Block Party, its mood of exuberant democracy, extends to every rap and soul performance in the film.

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• 90

  out of 100

  The New York TimesManohla Dargis

  Mr. Chappelle looks and sounds alternately ebullient and weary. It was directed by Michel Gondry, the madcap genius behind "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," but in its tone and vibe feels like Mr. Chappelle's all the way.

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• 90

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  Most fun of all, however, is basking in Chappelle's ability to be effortlessly funny. Whether he's making believe he's a pimp in a Dayton clothing store or charming little kids in the Bed-Stuy day-care center that was concert headquarters, his personality infuses the film with infectious good feelings.

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• 90

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterSheri Linden

  The word "community" has become a cliche, but this party, both backstage and before the crowd, illustrates a specific sense of cultural community and the singular bliss of standing on a city street in late-summer rain for a once-in-a-lifetime concert.

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• 90

  out of 100

  Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern

  The comedian has had his ups and downs recently, but the film is pure up, a wonderfully genial and inclusive record -- not that the music is devoid of anger or social protest -- of a day-long, freestyle show.

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• 80

  out of 100

  VarietyJoe Leydon

  A heady spirit of spontaneity permeates the proceedings, suggesting the entire pic, much like the concert it documents, was conceived, planned and completed in a single burst of creative enthusiasm.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  As for the movie, I've seen better comedy films and better concert films. It noodles around too much and gets distracted from the music. Michel Gondry, who directed, makes good fiction films but is not an instinctive documentarian and forgets that even a fly on the wall should occasionally find some peanut butter. As the record of a state of mind, however, the film is uncanny.

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• 75

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  Besides being filled with Chappelle's hilarious sense of humor, the movie features life-affirming messages and great music by serious rap artists with political, socio-cultural and spiritual themes.

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See all Dave Chappelle's Block Party movie reviews at Metacritic.com