The Stream: There’s not a lot of depth in this documentary told through Lego animation.

The Big Screen: Lego animation is very cute and there are a ton of Pharrell hits!

The Final Bill: An undeniably fun way to learn about a modern hit maker.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Morgan Neville
Writers: Morgan Neville, Oscar Vazquez, Aaron Wickenden, Jason Zeldes
Stars: Pharrell Williams, Morgan Neville, Pusha T, Timbaland,
Genre: Animation, Biography, Musical, Comedy
Rating: PG for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements.
Runtime: 1 hour 29 minutes
Production Companies: Focus Features, The Lego Group, Tremolo Productions, Pure Imagination Studios, Tongal, i am OTHER
Platform: In theaters October 11, 2024
Notable Trailers: Moana 2, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Conclave, A Minecraft Movie

Are your happy, Streamers!?!? Well, I found a movie for you to clap along to. It’s an animated documentary about Pharrell Williams called Piece by Piece. Piece by Piece is what you get when LEGOs animate the retelling of the life and career of a premiere artist, producer and hitmaker. There are interviews with Pharrell’s family and collaborators as well as the fanciful element that could only come from LEGO animation. Hella good, happy, rump-shaking hijinks ensue.

Technically, Piece by Piece is a just a documentary about a musician; and it’s pretty basic. If you know Pharrell’s story, then there really aren’t any surprises here. There’s not a lot of tension or drama. Moreover, most of the story is told through narration and interviews, which can get a little static or monotonous. However, the use of LEGO animation adds such a wonderful and whimsical dimension to this story. We get to see the musical genius of Pharrell animated in LEGOs, which wouldn’t be possible in any other form. It’s so vibrant and enticing that you will be smiling from ear to ear. Then, the music will make your toes tap and get you out of your seat. The retrospective of Pharrell’s hits is very fun, and the new music is catchy too. We get to meet LEGO Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake and so many more. Piece by Piece was one of the most entertaining and enjoyable experiences I’ve had at the movies this year.

Ultimately, Piece by Piece is a fun movie because of the clever use of animation and catchy tunes. If you already know about Pharrell’s history, then you’ll love the LEGO-animated musicians. If you don’t know Pharrell’s story, then you get an eye-catching, toe-tapping overview. Nevertheless, you’ll be dazzled, so grab a big box of popcorn and go brick by brick to the theater.