Music Video Review: Timbaland ft. Katy Perry's "If We Ever Meet Again"

Music Video Review

Timbaland ft. Katy Perry's "If We Ever Meet Again"

By our guest blogger, Joel Crabtree

In Timbaland's new video, "If We Ever Meet Again," featuring Katy Perry, the rapper-producer shows just how dedicated he is to his "Thomas Crown" persona.

The video starts out in an art museum with the unveiling of a new painting. You may be thinking, "Oh, I see where this is going." But wait. Timbaland doesn't actually take the title role in his "Thomas Crown" homage.

Instead, director Paul "Coy" Allen uses two actors to take the lead male and female roles, smartly using Timbaland and Katy Perry like a well-dressed Greek chorus of two. They're always present throughout the video, but never take an active role in the story. They sing, bust out some ironically weak dance moves, and of course, Timbaland makes his patented goofy expressions. It's like he's constantly trying to make a baby laugh — or cry.

The video plays out like thief vs. thief, pitting the man against the woman. But they're really in love with each other. No points for originality. The story plays out like a version of the "The Thomas Crown Affair," diluted to feel lower than a soap opera.

Nevertheless, the video serves its purpose. Director Allen has a style and vision, even if he isn't able to convey the rather simple story. Timbaland and Perry do look like they're having fun with the glamorous art-thief atmosphere, and that's worth something. This collaboration is likely to be another blockbuster for Timbaland.

Grade: B-