More a sanitized summary than a story, Piece by Piece is a puff piece. There's no drama, conflict, insight into Pharrell's creative process, or breakdown of his unique sound. It briefly mentions some low points without examining how they challenged him to grow. Pharrell isn't established as a complex protagonist so there's no arc. There isn't even a proper conclusion. Meanwhile, the acting is only rehearsed voice interviews that lack any intensity, range, or sincere vulnerability. It's a shame since it's always positive to see a successful, seemingly respectful person of color publicly recognized. However, that alone cannot compensate for Piece by Piece's superficiality.
Technically, Piece by Piece is style without substance. Despite active movement, framing, and color, the cinematography has little meaning. Similarly, its editing is flashy but muddles momentum because of its arbitrary hodgepodge structure. The sound provides ambiance and a few distortions. Central to the movie's plot, its music is a constant stream of relevant radio hits. The bold production design is undermined by blatant product placement. Although it supplies many famous cameos and representation, its cast is voice-only and their screen time is quite fleeting. The CGI animation is satisfactory. Consequently, Piece by Piece builds competent craft on absent emotions.
Writing: 2/10
Direction: 5/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 3/10
Editing: 5/10
Sound: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 5.6/10
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