Inside of his book, adventurous Harold can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book's pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life.
In Harold and the Purple Crayon, director Carlos Saldanha brings to life Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book, but with a twist—the story follows a now-adult Harold on a journey that extends beyond the confines of his storybook world. With a magical crayon that can create anything he imagines, Harold, played by Zachary Levi, embarks on a quest to find the missing Narrator of his book.
Blending live-action with animation, the film’s visuals are one of its key strengths. Gabriel Beristain’s cinematography contrasts the whimsical 2D animated world that Harold comes from with the more grounded live-action setting of the real world. This juxtaposition gives the movie a unique style, though at times the film struggles to fully capitalise on the imaginative possibilities of its premise. While the visual elements are charming, they fall short of the vibrant creativity that could have made Harold’s world more immersive.
The storyline is structured around Harold’s "fish out of water" experience as he discovers the real world. This is a familiar narrative trope, reminiscent of films like Barbie, Elf, Enchanted, and Big, where characters from fantastical settings must navigate ordinary environments. While the trope isn’t original, it remains effective, providing plenty of light-hearted comedy. Harold’s naïveté about the world leads to amusing misunderstandings, much of which will entertain younger audiences. Yet, there are moments of humour aimed at adults, ensuring that parents watching with their children have something to chuckle at as well.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is how it balances being both a children’s movie and something that adults can enjoy. The film’s central message about imagination resonates with audiences of all ages. It serves as a reminder that, as adults, we often lose sight of the importance of creativity and dreaming, and Harold’s crayon, which can bring anything to life, symbolises the boundless potential of the human imagination. This theme is explored throughout the movie, though the screenplay doesn’t fully delve into its deeper implications.
While the film encourages imagination, the plot itself is often predictable. The villain, though entertaining, never feels truly menacing, keeping the stakes low and preventing the film from building much tension. However, this light-heartedness also makes the movie suitable for all ages, as the threat never becomes too intense for younger viewers. In this way, the film maintains a playful, pantomime-like tone that keeps the mood fun and lively.
The cast delivers solid performances, with Zachary Levi bringing enthusiasm to the role of Harold. However, much of the film’s heart comes from young Benjamin Bottani, who plays Mel, a character who adds a sense of youthful wonder to the story. The supporting characters, Moose and Porcupine, portrayed by Lil Rel Howery and Tanya Reynolds respectively, provide comic relief and quirky charm, though their roles are underdeveloped due to the film’s split focus across multiple characters.
The film’s climax, which features a showdown involving Harold’s crayon, is one of the most visually exciting moments, finally delivering on the creative potential that was hinted at throughout the film. However, much of the film leading up to this point feels like a missed opportunity, as it leans heavily on familiar tropes rather than fully exploring the imaginative possibilities of the magical crayon.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is an enjoyable family film that doesn’t quite reach the heights of its source material. While it offers a fun and light-hearted experience, it lacks the depth and creativity that could have made it truly special. Still, for audiences who go in expecting a simple, fun adventure, the movie delivers enough charm to make for an entertaining outing. The film reminds us that, sometimes, all we need is a little imagination to make life more exciting—even if the movie itself doesn’t always live up to that promise.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is in NZ cinemas from September 26, 2024