Synopsis:
Based on Crockett Johnson’s classic children’s book, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” is a fantastical family adventure. Now all grown up, Zachary Levi takes the title role in the tale as he learns that his magical purple crayon still has its powers — bringing to life whatever he draws. As Harold comes of age, he begins to undertake an amazing adventure by utilizing the crayon to work out problems, conquer his fears, and rediscover his imagination.
The film mixes fantasy with reality, something visually incredible, where everything Harold draws comes to life. As Harold faces his day-to-day problems—things like working, relating, and finding himself—the crayon becomes both a literal tool and a metaphoric means to creativity and self-expression. Zooey Deschanel co-stars as Harold’s love interest, who helps him understand the true power of the crayon and its implications.
Review:
Generally favorable reviews among critics and a warm storyline have embraced “Harold and the Purple Crayon” with some brilliantly conceived art. According to critics, Zachary Levi’s performance is probably the brightest part of this movie, showing both the wonders and adversities of the adults’ world. Levi, as Harold, plays in such a relatable and truly endearing way in capturing the spirit of a man torn between the pressure of the grown-up world and innocent joy of creativity in his childhood.
And the special visual effects. Realized inspiringly and magically in forms of free-flowing clarity, works through the purple crayon of Harold guide the audience also inside and outside in the connection of the physical world and the world created from sketch and crayon works. The movie could resonate messages of the important virtues of imagination and creativity, values good for adoption in a world that is standardizing by the day and minimizing the essence of these attributes.
However, a select few critics did find a flaw in pacing, mainly in its first act as the film seems bent on establishing Harold’s character and the premise. While the movie successfully manages to entertain both the little ones and their parents, many of the humor and emotional beats are definitely going to mean more to the former, ending up leaving the latter wishing to see more depth in the elaboration of the storyline.
Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (Fresh)
The movie has good reviews among critics, who have praised the movie for the creativity in visuals and a warm message, though they have also added that it has a slower pace.
IMDb: 7.2/10
On IMDb auditions, it has had a good reception, where it is highlighted for the nostalgic touch it has and for Zachary Levi’s performance.
Metacritic: 70/100
The Metacritic rating is great in general, displaying how the film is praised for its creative touches and charm but has a few problems with the pace.
Conclusion:
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” is good-natured and visually enchanting, an adaptation that gives a great book a few extemporized riffs in illustrational style. In a nutshell, great performances and a wonderful message about imagination bring about a delightful experience for families and admirers of the released book alike. Summing it up, it is quite an enjoyable picture—maybe a bit slow, but with a magic of its own in storytelling and creative visuals.
