Chris Rock
Rosario Dawson
Gabrielle Union
Cedric the Entertainer
J. B. Smoove
Tracy Morgan
Kevin Hart
Anders Holm
Jay Pharoah
Michael Che
Sherri Shepherd
Leslie Jones

Chris Rock

102 mins.
Comedy, Romance
December 12, 2014

Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, crude humor, language throughout and some drug use. (MPAA)

“Top Five,” which refers to a popular debate that fans of hip-hop have had since time immemorial, is writer-director Chris Rock’s opportunity to comment, via his particular brand of humor, on Hollywood and on contemporary American culture at large. The vehicle for this is an interview that his comedian/movie-star character gives to Rosario Dawson’s reporter character. They walk through New York City, and talk through New York City, and ride through New York City. … Of course, they don’t agree much. But there’s a nice flow to the conversation. At one point, a car accident happens. The way that Rock handles that moment is indicative of the entire film.

In addition, Rock manages to stuff a bunch of his comedian and actor friends into the film: Cedric the Entertainer, J. B. Smoove, and Tracy Morgan to name a few. That turns out to be this film’s strength: Rock’s interactions with his various cast members supply the energy and humor that keep the film moving along. This is probably the funniest that a Chris Rock film has been. The key is that the humor isn’t solely reliant on him; it relies on the full cast, instead. Wise move. I didn’t laugh at everything, but I found myself consistently entertained. By the way, there are a couple of gross-out moments. You’ve been warned. They aren’t the grossest of gross-out moments, though. (This ain’t “Borat.”)

But this isn’t just about jokes. There’s a growing romance between Rock’s and Dawson’s characters that gathers steam as the film progresses, as well. I wasn’t sold on that relationship during the beginning moments of the film, but it grew on me. By the end, I could appreciate what Rock was doing with that. He wasn’t as successful with the serious stuff, but who would expect him to be? Regardless, looking at Rosario Dawson’s hair is interesting enough, all by itself.

Overall, “Top Five” works, but it isn’t completely seamless. While there’s nothing new or particularly incisive in this film, I enjoyed watching it. I get it. Rock’s brief stand-up at the end is pretty good, too. It’s the best stand-up that I’ve seen from him. I actually wanted to hear more. That surprised me. The biggest surprise of this film, though, is revealed during its requisite jail scene. You’ll never guess who makes a cameo appearance. How did Chris Rock convince that person to make that cameo? He deserves an award just for that.

Verdict: Very Good, Mostly

About: (Source: topfivemovie.com)

Pulsing with the rhythm of his greatest stand-up, Chris Rock’s TOP FIVE takes things to the next level, reveling in the high and the low, and blending a star-studded comedic romp with an irresistible romance.

TOP FIVE digs under the surface of show business, politics, rap, and the exigencies of being black and famous today—holding it all up to the light in the way only Chris Rock can. Mingling echoes of Woody Allen and Dick Gregory with the energy of Kanye West and Jay Z, TOP FIVE is an original and radically new kind of American movie.

Written, directed, and starring Chris Rock, TOP FIVE tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, whose unexpected encounter with a journalist (Rosario Dawson) forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind. Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, Cedric The Entertainer, JB Smoove, Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Anders Holm, Jay Pharaoh, Michael Che, Sherri Shepherd, Leslie Jones. The film is produced by Scott Rudin and Eli Bush. The Co-Producers are Shawn ‘Jay Z’ Carter and Kanye West; the Executive Music Producer is Questlove.