Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024) Movie Review: A Nostalgic Yet Misguided Adaptation
Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024) attempts to bring a beloved children’s book to life with a modern twist, but does it succeed? Directed by Carlos Saldanha and starring Zachary Levi, this live-action adaptation of Crockett Johnson’s classic book ventures into new territory, but the results are mixed.
Synopsis
In this adaptation, Harold (Zachary Levi) is no longer the young boy from the original story but a middle-aged man who still relies on his purple crayon to navigate life. When the voice of his narrator (Alfred Molina) disappears, Harold, along with his animated friends Moose (Lil Rel Howery) and Porcupine (Tanya Reynolds), ventures into the real world to find him. This journey brings them into contact with single mom Terry (Zooey Deschanel) and her imaginative son Mel (Benjamin Bottani), leading to a series of adventures that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
Review
The decision to age up Harold and place him in the real world is a bold move that ultimately falls flat. Zachary Levi’s portrayal of an adult Harold feels disjointed, as the character’s childlike wonder clashes with his adult persona, creating a sense of unease rather than charm. The film tries to replicate the whimsical tone of the book but struggles to find its footing, often veering into awkward territory.
One of the few highlights is Jemaine Clement as Library Gary, who brings a much-needed dose of humor and energy to the film. His character’s antics provide a contrast to the otherwise saccharine storyline, offering moments of genuine entertainment. However, these instances are not enough to save the film from its overall lackluster execution.
Visually, the film makes some interesting choices, with a blend of 2D animation and live-action sequences that pay homage to the original book’s iconic style. However, the narrative fails to engage, with a plot that feels stretched thin and a tone that oscillates between overly sentimental and oddly disconcerting.
Streaming Availability
For those interested in watching Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024), the film is available for streaming on the following platforms in the United States:
- HBO Max – Stream with a subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video – Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple TV – Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies – Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu – Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024) is an ambitious attempt to update a classic story, but it struggles to balance its nostalgic roots with its modern setting. While there are moments of creativity and charm, particularly thanks to Jemaine Clement’s performance, the film as a whole feels misaligned with the spirit of the original book. For fans of the classic tale, revisiting the book itself might be a more satisfying experience.
