Piece by Piece

When the first 'Lego' movie was released back in 2014, I actually thought it was going to be terrible. Well, after viewing it, I was hooked! It was a great film. Well written, directed and just downright entertaining. Well, several sequels later, and now we have "Piece by Piece", a documentary produced in a 'lego' format which certainly makes it a very interesting and original documentary. 

This is an unparalleled motion picture experience that captures the magic and brilliance of Pharrell Williams' creative genius, one LEGO brick at a time. Uninterested in making a traditional film about his life, Pharrell set out to tell his story in a way that would set audience's imaginations free. Developed from his singular vision, "PIECE by PIECE" defies genres and expectations to transport audiences into a LEGO world where anything is possible. Certainly making this documentary in a Lego format is original yet entertaining. 

Others to round out the cast are Morgan Neville, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani, Timbaland, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Pharoah and Carolyn Williams, Helen Williams, Missy Elliott, Chad Hugo, Teddy Riley, Jimmy Iovine, Jon Platt, Shae Haley, Tammy Lucas, Rob Walker, Nigo and ItzKiff.

This was culminated thoroughly by director Morgan Neville ("Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A." (documentary) '95, "Shakespeare Was a Big George Jones Fan: 'Cowboy Jack Clement's Home Movies" (documentary) '05, "The Cool School" '08, "Troubadours" '11, "20 Feet from Stardom" '13, "A Fighting Chance" '16, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" '18, "This Is Not a House" '23, "The Saint of Second Chances" '23) plus other films, TV, TV movies, videos and a TV short. What truly made this documentary was the fact that Neville and Williams incorporated a LEGO format throughout the film which definitely made it more original and captivating while experiencing this. The documentary was enhanced also by Williams' absolute love for his craft...music, and it shows in the way that he has produced many different types of music which reminds me that he is a true artist. It was painstakingly well written by Morgan Neville, Oscar Vazquez, Aaron Wickenden and Jason Zeldes. These writers know Pharrell very well--worked with him for many years, and this expose in written form only showcased this. It was 90 plus minutes of exhaustive research into the life of this artist and family man. There were a couple of places of slightly slow places, but truly nothing to detract from this amazing film, so I'm not going to be picky. And, what can I say about LEGO? The makers of Legos are amazing and can simply make a story out of any base--whether fictional or fact. 

Certainly if you like the LEGO movies and Pharrell Williams, you'll love this! I'm not expressly into

his music, however after viewing this, I have a whole new appreciation and respect for the man and his love for his craft. Take note: this IS a documentary, not a fictional story, so even if it is in a LEGO format, the kids may not have the same appreciation for this. But for all others, is quite the experience! 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                  Rated: PG                                          93mins.