Movie Review: `Harold and the Purple Crayon’ Captures the Charm of the Classic Book in Film

The beloved 1955 children’s book Harold and the Purple Crayon is making its transition to a 3D movie format nearly seven decades after its original publication.

Crockett Johnson’s classic story about a boy who can create anything with his magical purple crayon is brought to life with a short animated sequence that revives the book’s iconic illustrations. However, adapting such a succinct picture book into a feature-length film proves challenging.

After quickly covering the book’s narrative, the film shifts to an animated adult Harold, who is still in a onesie and joined by his purple-sketch friends, Moose and Porcupine.

The trio, curious about the real world, ventures through a door Harold draws labeled “Real World” and ends up in Providence, Rhode Island. They seek out the book’s narrator, whom they refer to as “the old man,” to understand their creation and existence.

The ensuing plot feels reminiscent of films like Enchanted and Elf, featuring a protagonist from a fantastical realm struggling to raise the real world.

Zooey Deschanel plays Terry, a “real world” woman who initially finds Harold’s antics tiresome but eventually allows him and Moose to stay with her, influenced by her imaginative son, Mel. The real world. Zooey Deschanel plays Terry, a “real world” woman who initially finds Harold’s antics tiresome but eventually allows

Director Carlos Saldanha, known for his work on the Ice Age and Rio franchises, injects humor and vibrant visuals into the film. Harold’s ability to create fantastical elements with his crayon adds an imaginative touch, with scenes including a flying plane and a dragon-lizard hybrid pet.

The film’s antagonist, librarian Gary, attempts to exploit the crayon’s power for personal gain by bringing his failed book’s fantasy world to life. While his motivations offer a modest conflict, they also lead to a heartwarming lesson in empathy, as Harold creates a world where Gary can feel he belongs.

Though the storyline might seem familiar and the film’s format is not groundbreaking, the movie’s call for imagination and its creative visuals keep it engaging. Harold and the Purple Crayon, a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG for mild action and thematic content, running for 92 minutes. It earns a rating of two stars out of four.