Chris Rock is known for being one of the funniest and most insightful comedians in the world today. Now fans will be able to embrace even more of his artistry, as Rock firmly establishes his strength as a writer- director in the new film “Top Five.”
The movie itself is a love letter to New York City(reminiscent of Woody Allen’s early films), with many locations familiar to residents of The Big Apple providing the backdrop for interactions between comedian Andre Allen(Rock)and a reporter assigned to interview/shadow him, Chelsea Brown(Rosario Dawson). Andre is having one hell of a rough day. His new dramatic film, “Uprize!” is set to premiere for a dismissive audience who only view him as the Hammy The Bear character he played in a series of slapstick comedies, he feels like he lost his comic mojo, and is also stressing out over his upcoming marriage to Erica(Gabrielle Union), a talentless TV “personality” who wants to turn the entire event into a reality show.
Rock crafts brilliantly funny scenes that will continue to resonate hours(maybe even days or months)after viewing them(An orgy scene and a not so tender moment in the bedroom between Chelsea and her boyfriend are beyond description). He also gives his co-stars plenty of room to shine(SNL’S Leslie Jones has an impressive star turn), but it’s Rosario Dawson who provides the glue that seamlessly holds the entire affair together. It is amazing to watch such a subtle and nuanced performance take shape onscreen. Rock’s Andre and Dawson’s Chelsea bond over their sense of humor…and their addictions. These amazing talents possess undeniable chemistry and should do more projects together in the near future…but thank God, we have this outstanding film to tide us over until then.
As the film wraps up, we get a special surprise cameo in a prison cell that only adds to the hilarity. I won’t reveal it, but Hip Hop fans will definitely find it memorable. Chris Rock has outdone himself with this production. The film is truly an artistic achievement that deserves every bit of praise it receives. I am absolutely certain I will GLADLY pay to see this film again…and I can say with complete confidence that Chris Rock’s new film is in my Top Five for favorite movies of all time.
– Kevin Keith
