Music legend  Pharrell Williams teams up with director Morgan Neville for the first of his two biopics in Focus Features "Piece By Piece." While next year's "Atlantis" will follow a traditional narrative and take inspiration from Williams' childhood growing up in Virginia Beach's Atlantis Apartments and star Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Pharrell, "Piece By Piece" takes a documentary approach through the lens of Lego animation.
Anyone who knows me will attest to my love of the biopic genre, so hearing that one of the best music producers ever to do it was using Legos to tell his stories caught my eye instantly. Like most music heads, I was introduced to Mr. Williams through his work with Teddy Riley in the early nineties. However, the minute I heard Pharrell and his production partner Chad Hugo's work on SWV's hit "Use Your Heart," I began to appreciate his creativity.
"Piece By Piece" follows a traditional narrative tracing Pharrell's early days growing up in VA Beach and becoming a global icon. One of the things I appreciated about the film was that they go into Pharrell's background, from how he got his love of music to the meaning behind Neptune's name. I also loved seeing fellow Virginia natives Pusha T, Missy Elliot, and Timbaland coming into play with their connection to Pharrell.
Mainstream music fans will appreciate seeing cameos from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Noreaga, and Gwen Stefani. One of my favorite stories concerns that the late great Prince turned down, which became a massive hit for Pharrell. I can also reassure parents that while rappers are featured in the film, there isn't any explicit language at its core. The film is about positivity and living out your dreams. Even when Williams talks about his work on the Kendrick Lamar hit" We Gon Be Alright" and his social justice movement, the film doesn't push an agenda and still keeps it family-friendly.
While I immensely enjoyed "Piece By Piece," the film does have a few failings that often befall biopics. Williams's rise, fall, and redemption arc are covered when he becomes a family man. Additionally, some viewers may take offense to the narrative structure of somewhat downplaying his father's involvement in his life and turning his character into a sitcom caricature. Finally, as an R&B head, I would love a montage of the hits he gave artists such as Charlie Wilson, Ray J, and Babyface.
Despite its minor shortcomings, 'Piece By Piece' managed to keep a smile on my face throughout its brief duration and serves as a testament to the joy of music.
Final Grade: A-
"Piece By Piece" opens in theaters today
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