Review: Dave Chappelle’s “Sticks and Stones”
After nearly a decade long hiatus from stand-up comedy and the spotlight in general, Dave Chappelle returned last year to release maybe his most brash, unforgiving, and best special yet. Obviously, this review is a little late, but the pandemic has provided me, and many others with a lot more time on our hands, so I’ve been able to watch some specials from the past few years that I missed upon release, this being one I’m beyond glad that I didn’t let slip through the cracks.
Chappelle does what he’s always done, tackle the tough topics, but it seems especially poignant given the current state of American society. Chappelle’s hour includes bits about abortion, gay and racial slurs, the LGBTQ community, Michael Jackson’s controversy, and of course, the political landscape of today in America. Given our current political climate it’s easy to tighten up and start to get a little nervous when Dave brings up any one of these controversies. What Dave does so brilliantly, however, is acknowledge that anxiety, and turn it in to roaring laughter by the end of each bit. Obviously, however, the simple acknowledgement of these topics and the very strong language used throughout is enough to turn away some viewers and offend others. Chappelle acknowledges this, however, stating “You clicked on my face!” and urging those who don’t like it not to watch.
Chappelle also manages to add a pinch of heartfelt commentary and an uplifting message at various moments during the set. Sometimes after a big laugh he’ll quiet down and speak softly into the mic to talk about unity or the direction our country should head in or hope for the future. These moments are what makes Dave stand out, and why he can address the controversial topics he does, as you can tell there is no animosity behind what he’s saying, but that he really just wants to make people laugh. He proves here that age can’t stop him from doing just that
9.5/10
