Review: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Perhaps it’s not entirely fair to critique a peculiar, unattractive live-action adaptation of Harold and the Purple Crayon for its lack of logic. The film, featuring Zachary Levi as a grown-up rendition of the curious toddler from the beloved children’s book, utilizes visual effects to bring Harold’s magical crayon creations to life in the real world. However, it must be acknowledged that this movie is utterly nonsensical from start to finish, failing to make any coherent sense or leave a lasting impact.
One interesting fact to note is that this marks the live-action debut of Academy Award-nominated animator Carlos Saldanha, known for his work on animated films like Rio, Ice Age sequels, and Ferdinand. While the movie starts with a charming animated retelling of Johnson’s original story, it quickly transitions to a less appealing live-action version of an adult Harold. This shift sets the stage for Harold’s journey into the “real world” and highlights Saldanha’s struggle to translate his animation skills into live-action filmmaking.
The plot initially hints at a fish-out-of-water narrative akin to Elf, with Harold navigating the mundane adult world in his childlike exuberance. However, the story takes a bizarre turn with Harold’s animal companions transforming into humans as they join him in the real world. The inconsistent rules of Harold’s magic and the lack of internal logic detract from the film’s storytelling, leaving the audience perplexed.
Harold heavily relies on the concept of the crayon’s limitless abilities, but the performances fail to elevate the predictable plot. Scenes featuring grotesque CGI creations meant to showcase the crayon’s power fall short, lacking in true imaginative depth. As the narrative deviates into a clash with a villainous character, the movie loses its whimsical charm and becomes a mismatch of conflicting themes and messages.
Ultimately, Harold and the Purple Crayon struggles to find its footing, meandering between fantastical elements and forced storylines. The inclusion of a villain adds unnecessary action and high-stakes drama, further complicating an already disjointed plot. The film’s random and aimless nature only solidifies its lack of direction and coherence.