Pharrell Williams’ Life in Legos

Clap Along if You Know What Happiness is to You

“What if life is like a Lego set?” Imagine watching an autobiography done with Lego bricks. When I first heard about this film, I wondered what the outcome would be. Piece by Piece is about the life of Pharrell Williams and how he overcomes feeling different and the voices in his own head that threaten to stop him. While the movie is interesting, there may be content not suitable for all audiences. In this Piece by Piece Christian Movie Review, I give you the information you need before seeing this film with your children.

Piece by Piece Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

Piece By Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.

My Synopsis:

​Pharrell Williams sits down and tells his story through the use of Lego pieces. From his early days listening to music at home to his success as a writer and performer, he explores the ups and downs of his life and how he ultimately became a big name in the music industry writing rap, hip-hop, and pop music.

Piece by Piece Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

• Frequent use of God’s name, including “oh my g-d.”
• Several uses of “h-ll,” “d-mn,” and “s-it.” However, when a character begins to say “oh s-it,” a poop emoji is flashed over the person’s mouth.
• Hip-hop and rap songs feature language, including slang terms such as “pimps” and “po-po” (for police).
• Phrases like “holy moley guacamole” are also used.
• Songs played in the movie include:
  “Rump Shaker,” “Superthug,” “Hella Good,” “Drop it Like It’s Hot,” “Grindin’,” “Frontin’,” “Milkshake,” “Hollaback Girl,” “Shake Ya A-s-.”
  I am unfamiliar with all these songs, so I cannot speak to the specific content of their lyrics.
• Pharrell recalls being called “odd” in school.

Violence:

While there is no physical violence depicted in this LEGO-animated film, there is a segment that deals with racial riots that are peaceful and Lego protestors have signs that read “BLM,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “I can’t breathe.”

However, this segment is very short and doesn’t show violence. It is mentioned as something that made Pharrell explore his racial identity. 

Spiritual Content:

There are numerous instances of God mentioned. Pharrell is seen going to church with his grandma. His grandmother told him, “God has given you a special gift.” Later, he returned to the same church to talk with his pastor. The pastor told him, “What God has for you, no man can stand in the way of. Trust God.” and Williams said, “So I did.”

When Williams is talking about his childhood, he recounts what someone said to him, and he said, “That crushed my spirit.” 

Overall, the film focuses more on Pharrell’s personal and emotional journey than on spiritual themes. However, the movie highlights the importance of overcoming self-doubt and staying true to one’s purpose.

Other Content:

​Pharrell talks about skipping school to play music. Furthermore, there is talk about anxiety, and “he must have got it from his mom.”
Pharrell discusses feeling different and dealing with internal “voices” of negativity. The film also explores the struggles of fame and success, which may be more appropriate for older audiences.

In several scenes, Lego women are shown wearing bikinis or skimpy outfits. 

​Williams’ grandmother’s death is briefly mentioned.

In one scene, PG spray is utilized. I took it to mean they were cleaning up the content to make it suitable for PG audiences as it featured Snoop Dogg.

While Williams is a Christian, his beliefs have also been shaped by scientists such as Carl Sagan, and shows such as Star Trek.

Positive Content:

• The movie shows Pharrell’s perseverance in overcoming his insecurities and embracing his uniqueness.
• Also, it encourages viewers to push through self-doubt and find joy in their creativity and individuality.
• Additionally, it highlights Pharrell’s reflection on how he dealt with adversity which can inspire children and adults alike to stay resilient and pursue their dreams.

Teachable Moments in Piece by Piece

Piece by Piece is a creative way to engage children in conversations about overcoming obstacles and embracing individuality. First, you can use this movie to talk with your children about the importance of resilience, as Pharrell’s story shows that challenges can be stepping stones to success. Next, it also opens the door to discussing how to find and use one’s unique gifts to glorify God. 

The question is asked, “Do you feel like you fit in as a kid?” I think 95% of us would say no. However, as children, we are so focused on ourselves that we fail to realize that most people feel like we do. The ones that appear to fit in most likely have made changes to change their individuality and conform to what they believe society expects from them. Ultimately, we are not supposed to fit in because this world is not our home. 

Hebrews 13:14 says, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”

My Viewing Recommendations for Piece by Piece:

Piece by Piece is a visually creative and reflective film, but due to the language and focus on emotional struggles, it is not suitable for younger audiences. Additionally, there was a part during the middle of the movie where it just dragged on and on.

However, parents should note the frequent use of language and hip-hop culture references before deciding if it’s appropriate for their family. While this film has a PG rating, it is full of references and language that many parents may be scratching their heads and wondering how it escaped the PG-13 rating.

Older kids and teens may find it thought-provoking, especially those interested in Pharrell Williams’ music or the creative arts. Moreover, no one can deny that Williams is a creative genius that has a lot of talent and drive.

Final Note: While I knew some of the music by Williams, I did not know much about him. However, it does appear that he has had a life of scandal-free living. He does not drink and claims he has been drunk 9 times in his life. Furthermore, he has never smoked or did drugs. However, once he ate weed brownies, but does not recommend it. Furthermore, Pharrell is known to give back to his hometown and has funded projects of Virginia Beach. In 2025, the Atlantic Park project is set to open, and he has offered internships to students at Promise Academy in New York City.

Finally, while this is his life story, and he is telling it, it does appear to be a vanity project!

About the Movie Piece by Piece:

Rating: PG for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements
Release Date: October 11, 2024
Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Genre: Autobiography/Musical
Style: LEGO animation
Studio: The Lego Group, Tremolo Productions, I Am Other

Directed by: Morgan Neville
Written by: Morgan Neville, Jason Zeldes, Aaron Wickenden, Oscar Vazquez
Produced by: Pharrell Williams, Mimi Valdez, Caitrin Rogers, Morgan Neville, Shani Saxon
Edited by: Jason Zeldes, Aaron Wickenden, Oscar Vazquez
Music by: Pharrell Williams, Michael Andrews
Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

The Cast of Piece by Piece 

(All Lego characters are voiced by the individual)

Pharrell Williams

Morgan Neville

Gwen Stefani

Kendrick Lamar

Timbaland

Justin Timberlake

Snoop Dogg

Pusha T

Missy Elliott

Chad Hugo

N.O.R.E.

Daft Punk

Busta Rhymes

Teddy Riley

Jay-Z

Aaron Wickenden

Other Musical Films worth Watching:

My Fair Lady (1964) starring Audrey Hepburn

Mary Poppins (1964), starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke

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