主播大秀

Rainy weather can't dampen spirits in Dave Chappelle's Block Party, a contagiously joyful documentary about a free concert staged on the streets of Brooklyn in September 2004. For one night only, thousands get to groove to a stellar R&B/hip-hop line-up, including Mos Def, Kanye West, Erykah Badu and - together for the first time in seven years - The Fugees. But ultimately this is Chappelle's show. The comic upstages the musos with his foul-mouthed, sweet-natured charm.

Our host's innate affability is captured to a T in scenes where he saunters around his Ohio neighbourhood offering golden gig tickets to friends, strangers, and an entire college marching troupe. Lest anyone get impatient for the main event, director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) intercuts preparations with performances. There's a scorching duet between Jill Scott and Erykah Badu (sporting an immense Afro wig, presumably for the benefit of those furthest back), while old-schoolers will thrill to a guest spot from rapper Big Daddy Kane.

"PREACHINESS DOESN'T PUNCTURE THE PARTY MOOD"

But the showstopper has to be the reunited Fugees performing signature hit Killing Me Softly, which closes the film. Not to be outshone by Lauryn Hill's honeyed vocals, bandmate Wyclef Jean grabs another highlight with a sweary offstage speech urging the kids to get down...to the library. Yes, there's a little preachiness here, but it doesn't puncture the party mood. Or stop Chappelle telling dirty jokes about prostitutes, for that matter. Thanks to him this isn't just a musical feast, but a rib-busting comedy too.