Block PartyRating: * * * 1/2Type: Comedy/DocumentaryLength: 103 minutesMPAA: RCast: Dave Chappelle, Mos Def, John Legend, Kanye WestDirector: Michel GondryPlaying: North Hills, Carmike 15, Grande, Crossroads

In 2004, superstar comedian Dave Chappelle whimsically decided to throw a huge block party in New York – free to the public – and invited some of the top names in the rap music business. Dave, along with director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), documents the entire process, from scouting a location for the concert to inviting his neighbors, thus formulating the half documentary/half concert film Block Party.

Fans of Dave Chappelle should be forewarned: if they are looking for his unique brand of humor, they will find only small doses of it in this film. Block Party is primarily a concert film, with the focus entirely on the music and the party. Chappelle’s comic stylings grace the screen on only a few occasions.

But regardless of expectations, Block Party emerges as a resounding success but very disorganized. The story begins in Chappelle’s home in Ohio as he invites members of his community to the party. He hands out “Golden Tickets” to various people and even offers them a ride to New York, along with a place to stay.

Crosscut with this story are clips from the actual concert, where the all-star lineup of acts includes Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Dead Prez, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and The Roots. The performances are kinetic and inventive, showcasing a broad array of the more socially conscious hip-hop artists around today. The performances range from the party styles of Kanye West to Dead Prez’s politically charged underground song “Hip-Hop.”

A major musical highlight of the film is the sub-plot, involving singer Lauryn Hill, who had planned to perform at the party until her music label decided not to release the rights to her songs. As an alternative, she reunites with her old band mates Wyclef Jean and Pras, collectively The Fugees, who have not performed together since 1997. Seeing the band’s classic rendition of “Killing Me Softly” does nothing but bring back good memories.

Block Party is a film about community, music and good spirits that’s largely aided by the talented performers and the man himself — Dave Chappelle — who illuminates every scene that he is in with his infectious charm and indelible wit. The movie may be very fragmented, but it is nonetheless a joy to watch it unfold.