Kevin Bourne says Pharrell’s LEGO biopic is “one of the most inspirational movies we’ve seen in a very long time” in his Piece by Piece film review.
Over the years, Pharrell Williams has built a reputation as one of the most prolific creatives of our generation. He’s lent his creative touch to everything from music and fashion, to film and TV, to condo design and product design.
So it was no shock when it was announced that Pharrell would be producing a new biopic, and that would be…a LEGO movie. Actually, it was a little shocking. Who would’ve thought about a LEGO biopic? It’s something that could’ve only come from straight the creative mind of Pharrell Williams.
Piece By Piece is actually more of a docudrama, blending interviews with Pharrell and an animated all-star cast of Jay-Z, Pusha-T, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and more, and dramatic re-enactments.
It begins with Williams’ early life in Virginia Beach’s Atlantis Projects, his upbringing in church, the impact his grandmother had on his life, meeting Missy, Timbaland, and his Neptunes/N.E.R.D. bandmate, Chad at school, and super-producer, Teddy Riley, moving to town. It then recounts some of the biggest moments in Williams’ career, from interning at Teddy Riley’s studio and helping to make the hit track “Rump Shaker”, to meeting Queens, New York rapper, NORE, and working with Jay-Z and Snoop, to making his most well-known songs like “Grindin'” and “Happy”.
But his life is also a story about the pressures and trappings, and ups and downs, of fame, and how Williams was able to rebound from one of the lowest and darkest moments of his career.
Simply put, Piece By Piece is one of the most inspirational movies we’ve seen in a very long time. Somehow the film is arguably even more inspirational as a LEGO film than it would’ve been if they had it been a live action film. I’m not ashamed to say I cried and so did the person next to me. Why? Because everyone who has a dream can relate to this story. Many have had times when they’ve questioned whether they should continue investing time, money and effort into their dream or just give up. Many have experienced feeling out of place, like a misfit who doesn’t belong.
This film is an inspirational and creative masterpiece. It’s absolutely essential for the dreamers, creators, visionaries, and misfits. It’s fuel for those on the verge of giving up. And ultimately, it’s a reminder to keep working and keep believing in yourself, no matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 300 international voters for the 81st and 82nd Golden Globe Awards by the Golden Globe Foundation and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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