Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 10-11-2024
Watched 10-30-2024
Reviewed 11-04-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
“Find something you love to do. You’ll know it’s right when you find something that benefits humanity in it”
“Piece by Piece” is an ambitious documentary that merges the worlds of Lego and music, following the life and career of Pharrell Williams. Directed by Morgan Neville, the film creatively utilizes Lego bricks to depict moments from Williams’ journey, covering his early influences, iconic collaborations, and success in the music industry. As an Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL) with a love for documentary storytelling, I was eager to dive into this unique biopic.
From the get-go, the film impresses with its colorful visuals and rhythmic editing, mirroring Williams’ style and musical flair. The stop-motion Lego animation is undeniably clever, with each scene capturing a certain charm that only Lego bricks can deliver. The soundtrack, featuring Williams’ hits, is lively and well-integrated, adding a dynamic layer to the storytelling. For a Lego fan, seeing the tiny bricks crafted into settings and characters from Pharrell’s life is nothing short of delightful.
However, despite the film’s innovative concept, it left me somewhat unfulfilled. While the Lego animation is enjoyable, I found it difficult to connect with the subject matter on a deeper level. The film seems to prioritize style over substance, and the decision to tell Williams’ life story through Lego at times feels disjointed. The emotional nuances and struggles of Williams’ life, which are typically the heart of a documentary, seem to be overshadowed by the novelty of Lego visuals. The film’s focus on Lego storytelling might work for lighter moments, but it often lacks the emotional weight needed to tackle the more profound aspects of Williams’ career and life journey.
In the end, “Piece by Piece” offers an interesting one-time viewing experience. It’s a treat for Lego fans and those who appreciate Pharrell Williams’ work. Yet, as a fan of both documentaries and Lego, I left wanting a bit more—more depth, more connection, and perhaps a stronger reason behind the Lego format itself. For AFOLs and casual viewers alike, it’s a fun ride, but it may not be one that lingers in memory.
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