'Top Five' A Review

Top Five is a comedy written, directed, and staring Chris Rock. The film follows comedian and actor Andre Allen(Rock) over the course of a day while he promotes his new film Uprise! about the Haitian slave rebellion, tries to escape the legacy of his successful buddy cop franchise Hammy The Bear, and prepares for his upcoming nuptials with reality TV star Erica Long(Gabrielle Union). Accompanying him on his errands, rounds, visits, and interviews over the course of the day is New York Times journalist Chelsea Brown(Rosario Dawson) who is preparing to write a profile on Allen. They walk around NYC talking politics, pop culture, and relationships.

Rock's performance and the movie as a whole is his most fully formed creation since 2007 Good Hair. Playing some alternate reality version of himself Rock isn't bogged down by overt character. He is able to let his natural charm, whit, and POV shine while balancing the thin layer of narrative. Chris Rock obviously is not Andre Allen but it is close enough to himself he can portray it with some real truth, a problem he has had in previous performances. Dawson is at her naturalistic best, complimenting Rock well and at times shouldering the burden of believability when Rock seems to falter. They both play recovering alcoholics with authenticity but no pained melodrama bringing a sense of heart to the comedy. There is also a parade of hilarious and gratifying cameos which enhance the sense of playfulness and community in this already inclusive film.

The flashbacks and quick cuts work well for Rock creating a sense of urgency which is needed for the rather leisurely walk-and-talk type of film Top Five is. There are moments that do not work. Some things too on-the-nose, some plot machinations discordant, but there are overshadowed by the prevailing kinetic joy and humor of the film.

Rock's best film to date, conveying the feeling and sensibility of his stand up- funny, edgy, socially biting.

See It.