WAVES OF HAPPINESS // "HYDRATION" // TRIBECA 2020 FILM REVIEW
HYDRATION, the new music documentary playing at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, is all about Pharrell Williams' "There's Something in the Water" festival, a fest that he created in his hometown. What's beautiful about the film is how little it seems like a vanity project and truly feels like a project by an artist who wants to give back and make a difference. The film begins by letting us know how Senior Week in Virginia Beach has been tainted by the memory of the Greekfest Riots in 1989 and the 2013 Senior Week incidents. Pharrell wants to give back to the community he loves so much and to bring a three day fest of peace and love to the beach.
We see several not-for-profit organizations getting involved and local organizations ready to help make this an inspiring festival. There's poetry from a student organization, a beautiful singing church choir and background on why this festival is so important to Virginia Beach. There's even a huge hurtle to overcome, as the first day of the festival is hit with a major thunderstorm, threatening the entire weekend.
It's clear how much the festival means to the community and how much love and soul Pharrell puts into it, but the doc itself is far more meaningful than interesting. We see behind the scenes footage of Pharrell and his team setting up with the town and prepping for the concert, but as well-intended as it all is, it doesn't quite make for a compelling documentary. Even when the concert starts and we see the likes of Sean "Diddy" Combs, Pusha T, Dave Grohl (who couldn't perform due to an injury so he volunteers to cook up BBQ instead) and Pharrell's Neptunes, we don't actually see much performing. Instead, it's almost a highlight reel of the "Best Moments" and it goes through it very quickly. There's a lot of positive vibes and beautiful intentions in HYDRATION, and I'm very thankful that Pharrell brought a much needed festival of positivity to the town. Being there, I'm sure, was a complete blast. Sitting on your couch and watching it after the fast? Not so much.
GRADE: C+
DIRECTED BY Mimi Valdés FEATURING Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Pusha T, Dave Grohl, Snoop Dogg & more. SELECTED AS PART OF THE 2020 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL