Carlos Saldanha’s directorial debut, Harold and the Purple Crayon, offers a visually captivating and imaginative take on Crockett Johnson’s beloved 1955 picture book. The film begins with a stunning 10-minute sequence that beautifully captures the essence of Johnson’s illustrations while infusing them with a dynamic, contemporary energy reminiscent of animator Norman McLaren’s work. This sets the stage for a family-friendly fantasy that stays true to its source material, avoiding unnecessary sentimentality and romantic subplots.
The story follows Harold, a boy with a magical purple crayon that allows him to draw his world into existence. As Harold, portrayed by Zachary Levi, grows up, he becomes intrigued by the world outside his creation. This curiosity leads him to The Narrator (voiced by Alfred Molina), who exists in a more complex and colorful reality. When The Narrator suddenly falls silent, Harold, along with his friends Moose and Porcupine, ventures into the real world through a portal he draws.
In the real world, Harold is a man in a blue onesie, and Moose and Porcupine take human forms, played by Lil Rel Howery and Tanya Reynolds. The film quickly sets up a classic fish-out-of-water scenario, with Harold and Moose encountering various challenges as they search for The Narrator. They find themselves in the care of Terri (Zooey Deschanel), a single mother, after a comical mishap involving her son Mel (Benjamin Bottani) and a misunderstanding about a potential lawsuit.
Their quest leads them to a local library where they meet Gary (Jemaine Clement), a librarian and aspiring fantasy author who becomes fascinated with Harold’s crayon. Clement’s portrayal of Gary adds a layer of humor and whimsy, reminiscent of his comedic work with Flight of the Conchords. Gary’s antics and plans for world domination with Harold’s crayon provide a light-hearted conflict that is engaging for both children and adults.
The film blends elements of Elf and The Truman Show, offering a mix of humor and introspective moments as Harold grapples with existential questions about his own existence. The portrayal of Harold’s existential crisis is handled with a gentle touch, ensuring it remains accessible to younger audiences while still providing depth for older viewers.
Levi’s charismatic performance and the film’s blend of slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments create a charming and entertaining experience. Although it’s unclear if the film will evolve into a franchise, Harold and the Purple Crayon proves that Harold, with or without his purple crayon, is a resourceful and endearing character.
Overall, Harold and the Purple Crayon is a delightful family film that combines imaginative storytelling with engaging performances, making it a memorable adventure for audiences of all ages.
