Beverly Boy Reviews: Piece by Piece

LEGO bricks tell the life story of singer/songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams — from his childhood in Virginia to his success in the music and fashion industry.

 

Release date: October 11, 2024 



Director:
Morgan Neville



Box office: 
$10.1 million

Turn up the volume on your imagination.

Animation, Biography, Comedy, Family, Musical


Rated PG for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements.



Audience Reviews

Izzy Gardener
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"This movie made me feel so seen! Even though I'm a 19-year-old girl, hearing a famous artist share similar experiences and tastes was incredible. The music was phenomenal—every song hit perfectly with the surround sound. Highly recommend if you're into music and hip hop!"
Moon Lover
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"One of my favorite movies! Just a heads up—it's a documentary, not just for kids. If you’re a Gen Z or millennial, or a Pharrell fan, you'll relate. Loved every second!"
Someone Random
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"Loved it! If you enjoy documentaries, you'll appreciate the cool elements in this movie. Definitely worth a watch!"
Eleanor Hobbs
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"Parents, note—this isn’t for small kids, though it’s not violent. It's more of a documentary than anything, and it’s a fun, colorful story for older audiences!"
Therese Comstock
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"I thought this was a kids' movie since it used Lego characters. I love Pharrell, but I just didn’t connect with this movie—even as an adult."

Critic Reviews

Charlotte Simmons >> We Got This Covered
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Simmons praises Piece by Piece for its rebellious spirit, stating that "much like its decorated subject, the film blows right past refusing to play by the rules and straight up doesn't acknowledge them."
Colin Robertson >> The Sun (UK)
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Robertson finds the film charming but notes that the "Legomentary" style left him feeling "short-changed," adding that there's "too much plastic in an otherwise great film."
Harry Guerin >> RTÉ (Ireland)
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Guerin describes the biopic as "sweet, inspiring, and with a block-rocking soundtrack to boot," saying it offers something for the whole family.
Calum Cooper >> In Their Own League
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Cooper commends the film’s unique approach and engaging portrayal of Pharrell's life, though he notes the effect is "dazzling, if not always subtle."
Tatiana Albandos >> Medium Popcorn
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Albandos calls the documentary "a unique, visually engaging way to do a documentary," admitting that while it felt "a bit like empty calories," it was entertaining nonetheless.

Piece by Piece: A Creative Triumph in LEGO Animation

Piece by Piece, the highly anticipated 2024 LEGO movie, has set a new standard for animated family films. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, this inventive adventure brings classic LEGO magic to life on screen, captivating audiences with humor, heart, and nostalgia. At Beverly Boy Productions, we’re inspired by Piece by Piece’s innovative approach to animation, combining breathtaking visuals with a story that celebrates teamwork, resilience, and creativity. It’s a movie that invites viewers of all ages to immerse themselves in a world where every brick tells a story, fostering a love for creativity and imagination.

Cinematography: Dynamic Brick-by-Brick World-Building

The cinematography in Piece by Piece brings LEGO blocks to life in stunning, intricate detail. Using an array of wide-angle shots and clever close-ups, the film takes viewers on an exciting journey through towering cityscapes, lush jungles, and underwater realms—all crafted from LEGO bricks. A vibrant palette of colors brings each scene to life, showcasing the endless possibilities of LEGO construction and enhancing the sense of adventure and discovery.

At Beverly Boy Productions, we’re impressed by the cinematography’s ability to captivate and entertain. Through inventive angles and dynamic perspectives, Piece by Piece transforms LEGO pieces into a living, breathing world, inviting audiences to experience the wonder of a limitless universe built brick by brick.

Production Design: A Playful, Immersive LEGO Universe

The production design in Piece by Piece is nothing short of spectacular. Every LEGO piece feels tangible, as though it could be picked up and assembled by hand. From bustling metropolises to quiet forest scenes, the film’s settings are thoughtfully constructed, balancing realism with imaginative whimsy. This playful attention to detail allows each scene to feel both familiar and fantastical, paying homage to the universal experience of building with LEGO.

For us, this film exemplifies the power of production design that fosters creativity. The seamless blend of practical and digital elements creates an environment that sparks nostalgia and inspires new ideas. By creating a world that feels real yet imaginative, Piece by Piece speaks to the power of design in storytelling, something we strive to achieve in every project.

Camera Work: Captivating Perspectives with Playful Energy

The camera work in Piece by Piece is a perfect match for the film’s energetic storyline, capturing the fast-paced action sequences and the softer, heartfelt moments with equal care. From thrilling, sweeping shots of epic LEGO battles to tender close-ups that capture the characters’ emotions, the camera invites audiences into an imaginative world while staying grounded in heartfelt moments that resonate with all ages.

We at Beverly Boy Productions admire the film’s creative camera techniques, which enhance the storytelling experience. The dynamic and engaging shots mirror the enthusiasm and spirit of LEGO play, encouraging audiences to see the world with a fresh perspective and to cherish the bonds that are built piece by piece.

Post-Production and Visual Effects: A Technical and Artistic Achievement

The film’s post-production work is a marvel, skillfully integrating CGI with LEGO’s signature blocky style to create a visually cohesive and captivating film. The intricate details of the animation capture the texture and shine of each LEGO piece, while fluid character animations bring expressive personalities to each brick-built character. The sound design, from the clicks of bricks to the rush of wind and water, adds authenticity, while the uplifting musical score enhances each adventure.

For Beverly Boy Productions, Piece by Piece showcases the importance of cohesive post-production work, where visual effects and sound work harmoniously to support the story. The film’s dedication to technical detail reflects our commitment to quality and artistry in production, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Piece by Piece is a heartfelt journey that combines humor, adventure, and nostalgia, reminding audiences of the timeless joy of creating with LEGO. The film is a technical and artistic triumph, blending innovative cinematography, engaging production design, and seamless visual effects to bring a beloved world to life.

At Beverly Boy Productions, Piece by Piece is an inspiring example of the impact of creative filmmaking. It encourages us to explore new methods and techniques, helping us deliver our clients’ visions with passion and precision. Films like this exemplify the magic of storytelling, inviting us all to dream big and create with purpose—one piece at a time.

Top Cast and Characters

Credits: Swan Gallet/getty; Focus Features

Pharrell WilliamsRole: Protagonist and Narrator

 Pharrell narrates his journey from his Virginia Beach roots to becoming a global music icon, sharing lessons on creativity and resilience.

Credits: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Focus Features

Gwen StefaniRole: Close Friend and Collaborator

Gwen represents Pharrell’s early creative partnerships, adding color and camaraderie to his journey with her iconic style.

Credits: Samir Hussein/WireImage; Focus Features

Kendrick LamarRole: Artistic Peer

Kendrick’s scenes highlight his and Pharrell’s shared pursuit of artistic boundary-breaking and social impact.

Credits: Phillip Faraone/Getty; Focus Features

N.O.R.E.Role: Collaborator and Long-Time Friend

N.O.R.E. is a vibrant part of Pharrell’s early career, representing his introduction to hip-hop success. His scenes show their influential work together, including their breakthrough hit “Superthug.”

Credits: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage; Focus Features

Justin TimberlakeRole: Music Partner

Justin’s scenes showcase their successful collaborations, symbolizing Pharrell’s impact on pop music.

Credits: Rebecca Sapp/Getty; Focus Features

Busta RhymesRole: Friend and Innovator

Busta’s energetic presence celebrates their fearless creativity and long-standing friendship.

Credits: Monica Schipper/WireImage; Focus Features

Jay-ZRole: Visionary and Peer

Jay-Z embodies business acumen, emphasizing self-belief and resilience in Pharrell’s journey.

Credits: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic, Focus Features

Snoop DoggRole: Close Friend

Snoop brings humor and laid-back charm, highlighting his fun, collaborative bond with Pharrell.

Movie Highlights

  1. Playful Soundtrack In Piece by Piece, the musical score brings energy and charm to every scene, enhancing the whimsical nature of the LEGO world. With upbeat rhythms and playful melodies, the soundtrack guides viewers through daring quests and quiet, heartfelt moments, adding a layer of emotion to the building-block adventure.
  2. Themes of Teamwork and Imagination The film delves into themes of friendship, creativity, and resilience, celebrating the magic of teamwork and the power of imagination. The story encourages viewers to embrace their inner builder and highlights how each piece contributes to a larger vision.
  3. Memorable Characters and Voice Performances Piece by Piece features a star-studded cast, delivering voice performances full of humor, warmth, and character. The actors bring their LEGO personas to life, crafting unforgettable personalities that resonate with both young fans and adults.
  4. Visual Excellence and Animation Innovation The animators have crafted a visually stunning LEGO universe with meticulous attention to detail, from brick textures to creative set pieces. Each frame bursts with color and energy, capturing the playful spirit of LEGO and drawing audiences into a world where every piece has a purpose.

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