Dave Chapelle’s Block Party

Thanks to the folks at Q101 (and Jeanine in particular), a bunch of us got passes to attend an early screening of Dave Chapelle’s Block Party. We got there a bit late (the line was crazy long), and we were worried we might not make it in. But – it was a big theater, and seating wasn’t much of a problem.

I enjoyed the movie a great deal, though I gotta say it must have been tricky to balance the comedy and music. I’m a big fan of Michel Gondry, and so was excited to see this film just on spec. Chapelle was, of course, hysterical throughout.

I think most folks attending were into the music side of the film. Me not being all that well versed in hip-hop, I got a slight sense of who everyone was. And, at the least, how incredible the lineup was that Chapelle orchestrated. I’m not all that familiar with the Fugees, but knew that them getting back together to perform was a pretty big deal.

The one thing that bugged me throughout the film was some jackhole behind me. Every so often, the same guy would say in a fairly loud voice “a’ight.” I couldn’t tell if he was being racist about it, or if he was high, or what the hell. It happened at totally random moments, and typically when there was a black musician talking. Keep in mind, this wasn’t once or twice. This was consistent, and throughout the duration of the entire movie. Bugged the shit out of me.

This is, I think, one of the big reasons why theater sales are on the decline. The experience anymore is simply not worth it. Granted, this was a free movie – so I really have no right to complain. But it’s the other jackholes around you in a theater that ruin the whole experience. Movie execs take note. It’s not so much the pirates that are ruining your sales – it’s the terrible movie-going experience in general that’s driven us all to DVD’s, which we can enjoy in the comfort of our own, quiet, homes.

Make a note of it.

A’ight?