Piece by Piece snaps into theaters on October 11.
By Alex Fischer
Piece by Piece is a new musical biopic about hip-hop star and producer Pharrell Williams. It is also, strangely, a Lego movie. In the film’s first few minutes, Pharrell states his thesis that there is nothing new in the world. Everything is only taken apart and put back together in new ways — like a Lego set.
This is Lego’s fifth theatrical release following both Lego Movies, the Lego Batman Movie, and the Ninjago Movie. However, this is the first nonfiction movie under the Lego umbrella.
Of course, the main question one would have when first hearing about a Lego Pharrell movie would be, “Why?” This question is not fully answered but is more than made up for by how much heart the movie has.
Like most of the other Lego movies, each frame feels fun and fresh. The colors pop off the screen, and the Lego medium allows for plenty of visual puns. Avid-eyed fans will be sure to spot references to classic Lego themes like an M-Tron shirt in Pharrell’s closet and a Neptune’s trident (a prominent visual in the movie) made out of Bionicle parts.
As a musical biopicture, Piece by Piece offers nothing new. It is very much a reconstruction of older elements. Pharrell was a young, misunderstood kid who had a way with music and could see it in ways others couldn’t, who, against all odds, climbed to the top of the charts over and over again.
Yet for much of the target audience, this will be their first foray into the genre, which is the most brilliant part of the whole affair. No child will feel bogged down by the familiar story beats. To most, Piece by Piece will be a fun, inspirational, colorful romp with messages about being able to do anything and the limitless power of creativity.
I give Piece by Piece a B+.
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