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2024 is proving a sensational year for the revival of the music biopic. Sure, it started off weak with the bog-standard One Love and the infuriating Back to Black. But summer brought the brazen rebellion of Kneecap, which played like an early Guy Ritchie crime romp. And the Toronto International Film Festival brought the wowing double act of Better Man, which reimagines British pop star Robbie Williams as a literal dancing monkey, and Piece By Piece, in which American rapper/songwriter/producer/fashion designer Pharrell Williams spins his life story into a Lego movie. 

Even when the stories hit familiar beats of a rags-to-riches arc, both of these remarkable reinventions make their material stand out through style. But where Better Man embraces a warts-and-all approach, Pharrell Williams — with the collaboration of heralded documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom, Won't You Be My Neighbor?) delivers an inspirational animated biopic for all ages. 

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Glossing over the low points of Williams' journey earned the film mixed reviews out of its debut at Telluride Film Festival. But the more I mulled over what this movie does offer, the more I was won over by its playful, glossy approach. 

Piece By Piece turns America's biggest hip-hop stars into minifigs.  Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani in "Piece By Piece." Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

To find the arc of Williams' story, Neville interviewed the multi-hyphenate star, his wife Helen Lasichanh, and a dazzling array of collaborators and colleagues, including Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, The Neptunes' Chad Hugo, Gwen Stefani, and many more. In an interview with Mashable, Williams revealed many of these interviewees had no idea their contribution would be filtered through a Lego lens, and only discovered they'd been transformed into minifigs when the first trailer hit. 

Neville's visual translation of these interviews includes amusing flourishes, like turning Snoop Dog into a Lego Doberman, and making metaphors about bakeries literal, with Lego Pharrell selling sweet treats the way he sold hit beats. In one instance, the idea of blowing one's mind with a sick bit of music is illustrated by having a smiling minifig’s head pop right off its base in amazement. These choices bring a playfulness into the film that not only is sure to delight fans of The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie, but also reflects the tone of Williams' hits, like "Happy" and "Get Lucky." 

More than this however, by turning himself into a plaything, Piece By Piece gives Williams a creative distance to reflect on his own life as if it is one of his many media projects. Through warm narration, he opens up about his childhood in the Atlantis Apartments in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The colorful blocks not only reconstruct his humble home but also a more fantastical version of Atlantis, where an Afro-wearing baby Pharrell swims about with a giant goldfish as Poseidon looks on. This charming spectacle showcases Pharrell's imagination manifesting big, surreal scenarios, which becomes a recurring theme — down to dreaming up a Lego music biopic. 

Piece By Piece is a Little Engine That Could tale that kids will relish. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

After this whimsical dip into brick-made oceans, Williams admits he was considered an oddball by others, confessing, "It broke my spirit." But weird kids out there (or the weird adults they became) might find solace as little Pharrell finds his crew, each of whom also revels in making music. From there, Piece By Piece becomes a story of succeeding by staying true to yourself and putting in the work to build your dream, brick by brick. Along the way, Neville laces various hits that Pharrell has contributed to, from "Hot in Herre" and "Shake Ya Ass" to "Hollaback Girl" and "Blurred Lines." (Parents, don't fret. Some of the racier lyrics have been delicately plucked out.) 

While it's initially fun to indulge in the nostalgia as Neville recreates iconic music videos with minifigs, this device begins to get old as the story of his rise makes for a lot of name- and track-dropping. Pardon the pun, but things get a bit one-note. Then when it comes to a low point — a necessity for any biopic or story for that matter — Williams pulls back. 

Piece By Piece can't commit to its big swing.  Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features

Rosy memories of childhood troubles is one thing, but sharing why his career took a dip is a Lego bridge too far. Instead of probing questions, Neville paves a path with platitudes about how his subject's greatest weakness is he has too many ideas. Colleagues speak vaguely about some business missteps or shameless yes-men who gave Williams bad advice, and these unnamed negative influences are imagined as a trio of gray-skinned ghouls wearing smiles and business suits. 

Here the film suffers. Even with the mask of the minifig, Williams can't let his audience into the dark moments. (On the other hand, this is where Better Man positively thrives.) Swiftly, Williams has reconnected with his pure inspiration, and the third act becomes a rousing celebration of song, dance, and Lego bits humorous and heartfelt. But this fumbled beat undercuts the movie's message. Being true to yourself isn't a one-time battle; it's ongoing. But with a community — like the minifig friends and family in Piece By Piece — one might get their block knocked off and still rebuild. 

Even with help from an on-screen avatar, can Williams not admit the ugly truths of his own story? Or did he and Neville fear self-doubt in anything but the briefest mention might bring down the joy of their movie? To that, I'd point to the other Lego movies, where the Lego universe and Lego Gotham are brought to the brink of utter destruction without us losing faith in their minifig heroes. Heck, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part even made the dark side of its happy hero the minifig villain! 

This wobble aside, Piece By Piece is a winsome reinvention of the music biopic. Animation is enthusiastically employed to bring the audience into the experience of being Pharrell Williams. The colorful blocks not only allow the construction of musical beats to become a physical act rather than an abstract idea, but also give a Ratatouille-like understanding of how this art form affects its hero. His synesthesia is showcased in waves of color as the beat bounces. 

While this colorful concept means Piece By Piece can be a hit with kids, it's easy to wish the movie dared to delve a bit more into the problems of being a grown-up. But all in all, Piece By Piece is a delight that could well have audiences dancing in the aisles. 

Piece By Piece is now streaming on Peacock.

UPDATE: Feb. 6, 2025, 4:24 p.m. EST "Piece By Piece" was reviewed out of its International Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. This review was originally published on Sept. 12, 2024, and has been updated to reflect viewing options.

Sexting (aka dirty talk, swapping nudes, sending explicit audio messages...the list goes on) is an entirely new kind of intimacy. It's a way to connect with folks on a deeper level, even if you're not physically together. And hey, who doesn't love a little teasing and digital foreplay before a long-awaited meeting?

The motivations for sexting are as varied as the act itself. Whether you're single and ravenous for some sexy screen time with a stranger, hoping to find a regular sexting buddy, in a long-distance relationship and keeping the passion alive through virtual sex, or want to amp up your solo sex toy sessions with steamy instructions from an AI companion, mastering the act (art?) of sexting leads to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.

Now, we're not talking about flirting with your crush on Facebook Messenger or sliding into someone's DMs on Instagram uninvited (cringe!). We're talking about good old-fashioned dirty talk with a modern twist. Think video chat, sexy snaps, and disappearing messages to keep your private information safe. We made a lot of accounts to test the best sexting apps, and we've gathered our favorites below. (You might even recognize some from our guides to the best dating apps and hookup apps.)

Once viewed as taboo, sexting is becoming a mainstream way to communicate your desires Credit: Zain Bin Awais / Mashable

A 2023 survey found that 77 percent of U.S. adults have sent at least one sext. Other research surveys have found even higher rates of sexting. Millennials are leading the charge, but they're definitely not alone in sending those naughty messages and nudes. As messaging apps get more advanced and our society gets more sex-positive, sexting has entered the mainstream in a big way.

SEE ALSO: The cherry emoji and 14 other emoji you can use to sext

Sexting isn't just a saucy way to get off; it's a great tool for building trust and intimacy. It's a chance to share your fantasies and explore your desires in a safe and consensual way. Plus, it can help you and your partner feel more connected, especially in long-distance relationships. (Think of it as foreplay for the next time you do get together IRL.)

Getting started with sexting apps

For some, just the thought of sending an explicit message or racy photo can be intimidating. (And that's OK!) Fortunately, there are so many apps and resources out there to help the most novice sexters feel empowered and confident. If you need some inspiration or tips, Mashable's Beginner's Guide To Sexting is a good place to start. Just remember: Sexting is supposed to be consensual, fun, and sexy.

To help you find the right app for your sexting style, we've narrowed down the best options in 2024. Based on our research and hands-on testing (yes, we really used them all), these are the top contenders for the best sexting apps of 2025:

SAVE $550: As of Feb. 7, the Samsung 98-inch DU9000 4K Smart TV is on sale for $1,947.99 at Amazon (regularly $2,497.99). That is $550 off a massive 4K QLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, AI-powered upscaling, and deep contrast for cinema-quality visuals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 98-inch DU9000 TV $1,947.99 at Amazon
$2,497.99 Save $550.00 Shop Now

When size matters, this 98-inch Samsung delivers in every way without the brand tax thanks to Amazon. After a theater-style setup in your living room or the ultimate screen for gaming on a grand scale, the DU9000 Series is built to impress.

This QLED panel is backed by Samsung’s Supersize Picture Enhancer and Mega Contrast, ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent clarity. Motion Xcelerator 120Hz keeps everything smooth and fluid, making it a fantastic choice for sports, movies, and high-FPS gaming.

SEE ALSO: Beats Studio Buds+ are $50 off at Amazon — upgrade your earbuds for less

Samsung’s Tizen OS gives you built-in Alexa and access to all your favorite streaming apps, from Netflix and Disney+ to YouTube and Twitch. With three HDMI ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, you can easily connect your game consoles, sound systems, and streaming devices for a seamless entertainment experience.

For audio, the DU9000 features Object Tracking Sound Lite, so audio follows the action on screen. If you want even bigger sound, pair it with a Samsung Q-Series soundbar and use Q-Symphony for an immersive home theater experience.

At $550 off on Amazon, this 98-inch 4K monster is an absolute steal for anyone looking to go big without breaking the bank. Deals on supersized TVs this good do not last, so if you have the space, now is the time to upgrade.

SAVE $770: As of Feb. 7, the Samsung 55-inch S85D 4K OLED Smart TV is on sale for $927.99 at Amazon (regularly $1,697.99). That’s 45% off a premium OLED TV with Dolby Atmos, AI-powered 4K upscaling, and a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung S85D 4K OLED Smart TV $927.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $770.00 Shop Now

If you have been waiting for the right time to upgrade to OLED, thanks to Amazon, this is it. The Samsung S85D delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and crisp contrast, making every scene more immersive.

Its NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor boosts HD content to near 4K clarity, so your favorite shows and movies will look sharper and more detailed. This TV is also built for next-level audio. With Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite, the sound moves with the action, creating a cinematic experience in your living room. Add a Samsung soundbar for even richer audio.

SEE ALSO: The Anker 735 GaN charger is down to under $20 — grab it before it’s gone

Gamers will love Motion Xcelerator 120Hz, eliminating screen tearing and keeping fast-paced gameplay smooth and responsive. The low input lag and quick response time make it a great choice for competitive gaming.

Since this is a Samsung Smart TV, you get built-in Alexa and Tizen OS for easy access to Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. The intuitive interface makes it easy to switch between apps and control your smart home with just your voice.

At $770 off on Amazon, this deal is an easy choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup without overspending. OLED TV deals this good do not last long, so grab it before the price jumps back up.

SAVE $11: As of Feb. 7, the Tile Mate is on sale for $16.95 at Amazon (regularly $27.99). That’s 39% off a must-have gadget that ensures you never lose your keys, bags, or even your phone again.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Mate Tile Mate (2024) $16.95 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $11.04 Shop Now

If you spend more time searching for lost keys than actually using them, the Tile Mate (2024) will be your new best friend thanks to this latest Amazon deal. Attach this compact Bluetooth tracker to anything you frequently misplace (keys, backpacks, wallets) and let the free Tile app do the rest. Just tap a button in the app, and the Tile will ring loudly, making it easy to find (even if it’s buried under a couch cushion).

But the real lifesaver? If you misplace your phone, double press the Tile Mate, and your phone will ring even if it’s on silent. No more tearing apart the house in a panic.

SEE ALSO: The Anker 735 GaN charger is down to under $20 — grab it before it’s gone

If your item is gone (like left in an Uber), the Tile app shows its last known location on a map. Thanks to the Tile network, other users can help anonymously locate your lost item. Unlike Apple’s AirTag, the Tile Mate works with iPhones and Android devices, making it a versatile choice for any household.

This 2024 version also syncs with Life360, meaning you can track your family and your stuff in one app, perfect for parents who want to monitor their kids’ backpacks or luggage while traveling.

With a 350-foot Bluetooth range, water resistance (IP68-rated), and a battery that lasts up to three years, this little tracker is built to last. It even has a discreet SOS feature that can alert loved ones if you’re in an unsafe situation, a small but thoughtful addition.

If you’re tired of losing your essentials, now’s the time to grab the Tile Mate (2024) for just $16.95. At nearly 40% off on Amazon right now, it’s an affordable way to stay organized and stress-free.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, February 7, 2025:

Across"Be quiet!"

• The answer is Shush.

Knight's weapon

• The answer is Lance.

Senior figure

• The answer is Elder.

"In any ___ ..."

• The answer is Event.

"Emilia ___" (2024 film with the most Oscar nominations)

• The answer is Perez.

DownWhat newborns do for much of the day

• The answer is Sleep.

Cut in two

• The answer is Halve.

What "U" stands for in "O/U"

• The answer is Under.

Acting class assignment

• The answer is Scene.

Standard unit of frequency

• The answer is Hertz.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 7, the Anker 735 65W GaN charger is available at Best Buy for $19.99 (regularly $39.99). That’s 50% off for a three-port fast charger that can power your laptop, phone, and tablet all at once.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 735 65W GaN Charger $19.99 at Best Buy
$39.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now

Tired of carrying around multiple chargers for your phone, laptop, and tablet? The Anker 735 65W GaN charger is the ultimate solution, and right now, it’s only $19.99 at Best Buy — a full $20 off its usual price. That’s a 50% discount on one of the best fast chargers out there, but this deal won’t last long.

First, let’s talk power. This little guy can fast-charge a MacBook, iPhone, and iPad simultaneously. It comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, meaning you can ditch your bulky power strip and replace it with one compact charger.

SEE ALSO: Charge 6 devices at once with this Anker Prime 200W charger — now under $60

If you’re charging a single device, the Anker 735 delivers a full 65W of power — enough to fast-charge a 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch or a Samsung Galaxy Ultra at top speed. Plug in multiple devices, and it will automatically distribute power across all three ports, simple.

What really makes this charger stand out is GaN II technology. Unlike traditional silicon-based chargers, GaN (gallium nitride) components allow for better efficiency and heat management, meaning you get more power in a much smaller package. The Anker 735 is roughly the size of an AirPods Pro case. Yet, it’s powerful enough to replace multiple chunky power bricks.

For frequent travelers, it’s a game-changer. No more stuffing multiple chargers into your bag — this one device can handle all your charging needs. It’s also foldable and compact, making it easy to toss into a backpack or carry-on.

At just $19.99 at Best Buy, this is a brilliant price for an Anker 735 GaN charger. Given that Anker is one of the most trusted brands in fast-charging tech, this is a no-brainer upgrade if you need a powerful, travel-friendly charger.

SAVE $107: As of Feb. 7, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is on sale for $392 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 955 $392.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $107.99 Get Deal

Garmin is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness tracker game. With watches for lifestyle, beginner athletes, serious endurance athletes, and everything in between, you can find a product for everyone. And if you're a runner, chances are you've heard of the popular Forerunner range. This range varies in price and ability, but I can't help but share the love for the Forerunner 955 and the latest deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 7, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is reduced to $392 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on the list price. And for this watch, that's a great deal. This price is for the non-solar, black watch. However, there are discounts available across all variants.

SEE ALSO: The best Garmin in 2025

The 955 boasts an array of fancy tools, tracking features, and training tips. Standout features for me include training readiness, training load, HRV, and sleep monitoring, so you can schedule your training according to your recovery and body readiness. The battery life is seriously impressive, too, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode.

The 955 also supports full GPS tracking, which makes runs, rides, and even open-water swims incredibly accurate. And for swimming, it has 5 ATM water resistance.

Unlike some of the newer models, including the Forerunner 965, you won't have an AMOLED display. However, I've found the colors are still vibrant and bright enough.

Head over to Amazon to grab this deal while it's available.

SAVE $34: As of Feb. 7, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 is on sale for $65.88 at Amazon. That's a 34% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Waterpik Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 $65.88 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $34.11 Get Deal

A water flosser is a fantastic way to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line, so why not impress your dentist and treat yourself?

And as of Feb. 7, you can get a great deal on the Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 at Amazon. Reduced by 34%, it's now $65.88. This deal is available in all colors: gray, white, blue, and black.

SEE ALSO: The best water flosser for cleaning up your oral hygiene

The handy little device is a fantastic all-rounder water flosser, featuring four tips and three settings for your personal dental needs, a rechargeable battery, and a portable design that makes it handy for travel. It's even safe to be used in the shower. Waterpik is also the first water flosser brand to earn the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance for safety and effectiveness.

This flosser works by using PrecisionPulse technology to deliver a combination of water pressure and pulsations, removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of issues such as gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act fast to secure this low price.

SAVE $25: As of Feb. 7, this Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $134.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 16% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Book lovers should head directly to Amazon, because the new Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for the first time this year.

As of Feb. 7, you can purchase the 16GB device for $134.99, saving you 16% on the original price. The device now comes in colors, too. For the slightly higher price of $159.99, you can upgrade your device from black to jade or raspberry.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Edition: Which is the best Amazon e-reader?

This is Amazon's fastest Kindle yet, and has a sharper contrast and 25% faster page turns. It has an ultra-thin, glare-free design to make it perfect for reading anywhere, whether you're traveling or lounging around at home.

A single USB-C charge can last up to 12 weeks, and the adjustable display lets you switch from white to amber for comfortable reading in any light. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can take it to the pool, bath, or beach without worry. Access over 15 million titles in the Kindle Store instantly, and if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you can dive into an endless catalog of bestsellers and more.

This deal won't stick around for long, so head to Amazon without delay.