Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Released 08-02-2024
Watched 08-02-2024
Reviewed 08-06-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"Once, there was a boy named Harold. With his purple crayon, anything he drew came to life. As he got bigger, so did his imagination. And one day…They stepped right into our world."
“Harold and the Purple Crayon,” directed by Carlos Saldanha, is an ambitious attempt to transform Crockett Johnson’s beloved 1955 children’s book into a full-length fantasy comedy film. The story follows an adult Harold, portrayed by Zachary Levi, who embarks on whimsical adventures in the real world using his magical purple crayon. While the film’s premise holds promise, it ultimately falls short of capturing the simplicity and charm that made the original book so endearing.
The film’s plot centers around Harold’s journey as he navigates various challenges and meets new characters, all while wielding his crayon to create solutions. Zachary Levi delivers a charismatic performance, bringing a sense of wonder and enthusiasm to the role. One of the film highlights is his portrayal of Harold as a dreamer with a heart full of imagination. However, the screenplay by David Guion and Michael Handelman often feels overcomplicated, with numerous subplots that detract from Harold’s core journey. Adding unnecessary layers to the narrative makes it difficult for viewers to connect with Harold’s adventures emotionally.
Visually, the film is a treat. The special effects used to bring Harold’s crayon drawings to life are impressive, adding a vibrant and dynamic element to the story. The animation seamlessly blends with live-action sequences, creating a visually cohesive world where anything drawn can come to life. Yet, this visual spectacle sometimes overshadows the storytelling, making it feel like style over substance.
Supporting performances by Zooey Deschanel and Lil Rel Howery provide comedic relief and moments of warmth, but their characters lack depth. Deschanel’s role as Harold’s supportive but skeptical friend adds a touch of realism, while Howery’s character brings humor. However, these performances are not enough to elevate the film above its narrative shortcomings.
One of the film’s main challenges is balancing the magical elements with a coherent and engaging storyline. The heartwarming themes of imagination, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of a child’s mind are present but often buried under layers of unnecessary complexity. The film tries to expand on the original story by introducing new characters and scenarios, but in doing so, it loses the timeless magic that made the book a classic.
Overall, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” is a mixed bag. While it may entertain younger audiences with its colorful visuals and fantastical elements, it fails to resonate on a deeper level. Fans of the original book might find it lacking the simplicity and whimsy that defined Harold’s adventures. Despite its shortcomings, the film does remind us of the power of imagination and the joy of seeing our dreams come to life, even if only for a moment.
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