The beloved 1955 children’s classic, Harold and the Purple Crayon, has leaped from the pages of Crockett Johnson’s iconic picture book to the big screen, almost seven decades after its initial release. This film adaptation offers a fresh, three-dimensional take on Harold’s whimsical world, but how does it fare as a feature-length movie?
The film kicks off with a brief animated sequence that brings the book’s charming illustrations to life. However, after just a minute, the story swiftly diverges from the original narrative. The film’s narrator informs us that Harold’s adventures are far from over, introducing an adult Harold (voiced by Zachary Levi) who, while still wearing his childhood onesie, ventures out of his animated existence alongside his purple crayon companions, Moose and Porcupine.
As Harold and his friends cross into the “Real World” through a crayon-drawn door, they land in Providence, Rhode Island, where Harold is bewildered by the complexities of reality. Their quest to find the book’s narrator, the “old man,” leads them into a series of comedic and endearing situations reminiscent of characters like Amy Adams’ in Enchanted and Will Ferrell’s in Elf. Harold’s naive interactions with the real world are both amusing and somewhat predictable.
Zooey Deschanel portrays Terry, a disenchanted “real world” woman who is initially skeptical of Harold and Moose’s antics. As the mother of imaginative young Mel (Benjamin Bottani), Terry reluctantly takes in the quirky duo after a series of humorous mishaps, including a car accident involving Harold and Moose.
Director Carlos Saldanha, known for his work on the Ice Age and Rio franchises, infuses the film with vibrant visuals and lighthearted humor. The highlight of the movie is the imaginative animation that blends seamlessly with live-action, allowing Harold to create fantastical scenes with his crayon in the real world. From a dragon-lizard hybrid pet to a plane flying over Rhode Island, the film’s creativity shines through.
The plot introduces a familiar antagonist in librarian Gary (Jemaine Clement), who seeks to exploit the crayon’s powers for personal gain. His attempt to resurrect a failed fantasy book for revenge provides some conflict but ultimately leads to a heartfelt lesson about empathy. Gary’s desire to find a place where he belongs resonates with Harold’s own journey, culminating in a redemptive moment.
While Harold and the Purple Crayon might tread familiar territory, its nostalgic charm and imaginative visuals offer a refreshing reminder of the book’s enduring appeal. Despite the film’s conventional plot and predictable elements, its ability to inspire creativity makes it a worthwhile watch for audiences of all ages.
The film, a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for mild action and thematic elements. It runs for 92 minutes and receives a modest two stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
