40/13
Additionally, “Happy” from Gru on a Top Secret Mission (2013)
A vibrant journey through the life of Pharrell Williams, told through LEGO animations. Released the same year as Illumination’s Gru and the Haunted Mansion (2024); coincidentally, both films feature Pharrell Williams’ music and are distributed by Comcast-owned studios (Universal Pictures and Focus Features, respectively). The Universal logo was not present at the opening ceremony. Hosted by Graham Norton and guests: Billy Crystal/Emily Mortimer/Hugh Bonneville/Pharrell Williams/Michael Kiwanuka (2024). It’s happening Written by Pharrell Williams and Shelly Berg Performed by Pharrell Williams Courtesy of Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
So did I, until I saw FISH
You might think Pharrell Williams is too young to get his own documentary biography. This is an animated LEGO presentation of Pharrell’s life and career, the most "Pharrell" what he could do: defy genres as a person and with his music. I’ve only known him as a musician, but he’s done so much more as a producer. This film also sheds light on what music producers really do. It opened my eyes to how many huge songs Pharrell and his band The Neptunes were involved in creating.
He does an excellent job of detailing the ups and downs of life
To name a few artists: Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Missy Elliott, and even Snoop Dogg, who has a very funny joke in this. This film is directed by Morgan Neville, who won an award for the documentary 20 FEET FROM STARDOM. One of the most fascinating aspects of this is how it depicts the way Pharrell listens to music. He has synesthesia, where he can actually see colors in his head when listening to music. There are a lot of fun little details in this film due to the LEGO aesthetic.
Imagination is such a powerful thing
One thing I didn’t expect to see is loss, especially not the Black Lives Matter movement. Pharrell didn’t want to just make another regular biopic, it’s definitely a breath of fresh air that’s much more than just a gimmick. This is a testament to the confidence and uniqueness of being yourself. If you’re a Pharrell fan, go see it. If you’re a LEGO fan, go see it.
If you just want to be happy, go see PIECE PIECE
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