‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ Review: Zachary Levi Is a Grown-Up Protagonist in a Strictly Juvenile Adaptation

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As a seasoned gamer and a child of the 90s, I have fond memories of Harold and the Purple Crayon being read to me before bedtime. The book was my gateway to limitless imagination and the magic of storytelling. So, stepping into the theater with high expectations for this live-action adaptation, I was left rather disappointed.

Initially showcased is the delightful hand-drawn animation reminiscent of Crockett Johnson’s 1955 classic children’s book, Harold and the Purple Crayon, which explains its enduring popularity even after almost 70 years. In the original narrative, Harold was a young child who used his magical crayon to create an enchanting world for himself. Regrettably, in the recent live-action/animated movie adaptation directed by Carlos Saldanha (Ferdinand, Rio, Ice Age)), Harold has grown up. Although the presence of star Zachary Levi may attract viewers, it’s questionable whether this film will retain the same lasting impact as the original story.

Numerous film adaptations of the book have been planned over the years, featuring renowned talents like Maurice Sendak, David O. Russell, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, and Spike Jonze (oh, the movie he could have created!). This adaptation too has faced delays, initially set for release in both winter and summer last year.

In David Guion and Michael Handelman’s screenplay, the character Harold, yearning for a taste of life beyond his animated world, sketches a door labeled “Real World” and ventures through it. He transforms into Levi, a muscular character who initially appears quite comical as he wanders around a city park in his onesie, fitting the PG rating with its suitable size. Shortly after, Harold’s animated companion, Moose, follows suit, while later on, Porcupine, portrayed by Lil Rel Howery and Tanya Reynolds (from ‘Sex Education’), makes an appearance.

Without their maker to show them the way, Harold and Moose embark on a search for their “father figure.” This journey results in some less-than-humorous scenarios where they harass various older men who respond aggressively. In one of many story conveniences, they encounter Terry, a widowed single mother (played by Zooey Deschanel, always charming) and her son Mel (the adorable Benjamin Bottani). In another plot twist, they invite Harold and Moose to stay in a room above their garage for the night.

It’s clear that Harold and Mel get along well; in fact, the boy feels a connection with Harold because he too has an imaginary friend named Carl. Mel tries to assist them in finding their missing father, which results in a series of humorous predicaments as Harold employs his magic crayon to fabricate various items, such as a plane they fly over the city to broadcast a message asking elderly men to call a certain phone number. To their surprise, this number belongs to Terry.

To make matters more intricate is the presence of our story’s essential antagonist, Gary (portrayed by Jermaine Clement, who consistently steals the spotlight with his side-splitting humor). He’s a dedicated librarian harboring a significant affection for Terry, who has penned an unpublished 700-page fantasy novel. When he learns about Harold’s magical crayon, Gary secretly takes a piece of it to try and realize his romantic and literary aspirations. This eventually leads to a grand sketch battle in a city park, staged as a humorous take on Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns.

As a gamer, I can say that certain parts of this game are perfect for newcomers, especially those cute animal antics by Harold and Mel, which remind me of a crocodilian Carl with a majestic mane and wings. However, for the more seasoned players, the humor might lean towards juvenile slapstick, making it a bit repetitive, and I found myself scrolling through my phone during those moments.

Levi, who gained some expertise due to movies like Shazam! and its follow-up, continues to show that he excels in portraying a grown-up boy. However, if he wishes to steer clear of being stereotyped as this character type, an upcoming erotic thriller could be an intriguing choice for his next role.

Howery serves as an entertaining contrast, reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy, but the concept of a moose transforming into a human doesn’t lead to many laughs. On the other hand, Reynolds is charming, her quirky hairstyle mirroring a porcupine’s spines; she proves hilarious as her character gleefully revels in the benefits of having opposable thumbs.

Without a doubt, everything works out fine in the end, as beautifully narrated by Alfred Molina, giving voice to the book’s author on screen. It’s also pleasant to notice a few clever nods to the Tom Hanks film, Big, which this movie clearly draws inspiration from. However, it’s tough not to hope that in the future, Harold will continue his adventures in the cartoon realm where he truly belongs.

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2024-07-31 16:25