Movie reviews are not my typical content, but I really just had to share my reaction and review them to a movie that truly surprised me!
Piece by Piece
*Pharrell Williams Documentary and Musical*
Piece by Piece is a documentary about music mogul and fashion icon, Pharrell Williams. What makes this documentary so unique is that the story is created using LEGO. I was on the fence if I wanted to go to see it in the
actual theatre. I have come accustomed to waiting for the movie to come on a streaming service and watching it in our humble abode.
I was also a little skeptical if my children would be interested in a movie about a person that they vaguely know and if the content would be appropriate. Let’s be honest, a lot of Hip Hop content is not for children and I was a tad bit worried it would be inappropriate. But a PG rating reassured my suspicious that it would be just perfect for my kiddos. We had a school holiday and my husband decided to surprise us with a family movie matinee.
And the experience was worth it.
My Review
This movie seems to be just a boring documentary that uses Lego to be unique however it is a beautifully crafted autobiography that will keep you and your littles engaged.
I felt a mix of emotions while watching the movie. The movie is bright and vivid and the use of legos is the perfect touch to keep the story exciting and not a stale autobiography. At times, I was really inspired by his story, his work ethic and candor. It was a great example of highlighting how hard work and perseverance works out which is a narrative wonderful for children. At other times, it was like watching a Hip Hop documentary and sharing in those moments with my kids and watching them enjoy it. Of course, you can’t discuss Pharrell without talking about music and there were hits upon hits upon hits played throughout the movie and we were all jamming along!
It also helps that Pharrell made the soundtracks for the Despicable Me ans Minions movies so when those tunes were played, my kiddos got really enthusiastic to pay attention.
One highlight for me was hearing my 9 year old gasp when he saw Lego Jay Z on the screen. Last year, I took him and my youngest son to see The Book of Hov so that was a connection that kept him engaged and entertained.
My favorite parts were seeing all of these huge musical icons recreated as Lego figures and the fascinating juxtaposition between their iconic voices and the playful simplicity of their Lego form. There’s something intriguing about the contrast between their larger-than-life personas and the humble, blocky nature of Lego, which brought a whole new level of appreciation and humor to the film.
I am not sure if Lego has released the hairstyles included for these characters in the movie but I would definitely collect all these figurines. (Here’s looking at you Lego, hint hint).
Overall, it was a surprisingly fun family experience. The overall takeaway that I received from the documentary are
- Be yourself. People may think you are weird and that characterization will hurt but being true to yourself is important.
- Making mistakes are okay, rather necessary. Everybody makes mistakes and learns from them. And
- Cherish and develop true and genuine friendships.
Now that we have seen the movie, my children are putting in song requests left and right for his music. My five year old is constantly humming Happy and my older two love Snoop Dogg after his stent on the Puppy Bowl so they keep requesting his songs by Pharrell. I don’t mind it.
If you see the movie, tell me your favorite part. Hope you have an enjoyable time like we did.
Thank you for reading!
Enjoy!
Maya
Maya Claros is a Mom of 3, picture book fanatic, Hip Hop loving science geek. She is Mrs. Frizzle with a dope soundtrack, Nike Air Max+ and an aroma of jasmine.
