The live-action adaptation of the classic children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon” raises questions on who it is intended for. The book is aimed at ages 3 and up, yet the movie’s older cast may not appeal to children. The film’s premise lacks depth and may struggle to captivate audiences of any age. Why was this film made, and how should it be critically assessed?
Attempting to review this unique and unsettling film is akin to using a purple crayon to create coherence. Hopefully, some value will emerge from this endeavor.
The film, directed by Carlos Saldanha and written by David Guion and Michael Handelman, takes a curious approach to adapting the beloved book. The story follows Harold (Zachary Levi), now an adult, who lives in a 2D world with his drawn friends Moose (Lil Rel Howery) and Porcupine (Tanya Reynolds). Despite his age, Harold remains childlike and overly attached to his parental figure, “the narrator” (voiced by Alfred Molina). When the narrator’s voice disappears, Harold draws a door to the real world to find him.
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The decision to feature a 40-something Harold remains a mystery, likely influenced by Levi’s previous roles as a childlike character. Harold’s character resembles a mix of Tom Hanks in “Big” and Amelia Bedelia, lacking knowledge of the real world’s subtleties. As they navigate into the real world, his friends Moose and Porcupine transform into humans, leading to further peculiarities in the storyline.
Jemaine Clement’s appearance injects life into the film, offering a refreshing dynamic to an otherwise saccharine narrative. His portrayal of “Library Gary” adds depth and intrigue, a stark contrast to the film’s otherwise simplistic approach to embracing imagination. Despite some redeeming qualities in certain performances, the decision to center the story around adults rather than children leaves much to be desired.
‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’
MPA rating: PG (for mild action and thematic elements)
Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes
How to watch: In theaters
