There are some people who do not care for or appreciate documentary or biographical films, so they tend to shy away from them. While this film tells the story of Pharrell Williams life, it is so much more. In fact, when viewing the IMDb page for this film, it is listed as “computer animation, jukebox musical, pop musical, animation, biography, comedy, family, musical” so anyone who wants to know what to expect from this film will know it is a mixture of all these. It is spectacular to view, while toe-tapping along with it – and not dancing to it since it is not a concert – as much as we would like to. There is so much to love about it that even when there are parts of his life story missing, you tend to let it go by. I did learn more about Williams, but I did walk away from the film wondering about some details as the story moved on.
The film is directed by Morgan Neville (Oscar winner in 2014 for Best Documentary Feature 20 Feet from Stardom and received seven Primetime Emmy Awards for “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces”). His talent and that of his team of animators and writers — Neville, Oscar Vazquez, Aaron Wickenden, and Jason Zeldes have created a unique way of telling Williams’ life in pieces, starting from his youth.
The LEGO animation gives life to the music that we already feel when hearing it, so our eyes feast on what the multiple colors would look like as they move about the screen. Even if the children who view the film do not understand all the music jargon or the adult references in the story, I can imagine them happily bouncing out of the theater as they are moved by what they just saw and heard. There is no doubt that Williams is passionate about all that he creates and wants to share his joy with the rest of the world who have an interest in what makes him happy.
The filmmakers have ensured that they told the story to remain in the PG category, so this does appeal to both adults and children. So, any parts of the story that not told in this version of his story, rest assured, will not impact enjoyment, as there is still plenty of entertainment value to be had – especially Lego and music fans.
Cast: Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Morgan Neville
The film is 94 minutes long and rated PG for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements.
Piece by Piece is in theaters on Friday, October 11.
Studio(s): The LEGO Group, Tremolo Productions, I Am Other
Source: Focus Features
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