Movies

Review: In the awkward ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon,’ a toddler is now a childlike adult

BBG News

As a seasoned movie buff with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Harold and the Purple Crayon” is a peculiar cinematic adventure that left me scratching my head more often than not. The decision to adapt a beloved children’s book into an adult-oriented film feels like someone mistook crayons for a Ouija board, asking questions about what shouldn’t be asked.

As a fan, I can’t help but ponder over the creation of this live-action adaptation of “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” a timeless children’s book by Crockett Johnson, first published in 1955. It leaves me wondering who exactly this film is intended for. Given that the book is suitable for ages 3 and up, yet the movie, directed by David Guion and Michael Handelman, boasts an almost entirely adult cast, it seems geared towards a more mature audience. However, the storyline, which revolves around a young boy’s imagination, still appears too simplistic and childlike to captivate viewers of any age. So, I find myself asking, what was the logic behind greenlighting this movie as a financially viable project?

As someone who has spent most of my life immersed in the world of cinema, I must admit that I found the film in question to be a peculiar and disconcerting viewing experience. Having grown up with the beloved book and its iconic images, I was intrigued by the unusual approach taken to adapt it for the screen.

Although it’s beyond my authority to explain why Harold, portrayed by Levi, was chosen for the role, it seems plausible due to his past performances as a naive character, such as in the “Shazam” films. His representation of Harold combines elements of Tom Hanks in “Big” and Amelia Bedelia, a famous children’s book character. Harold is oblivious to the complexities of adult life, unaware of irony, idioms, or popular brands, much like Amelia who interprets everything literally. However, this innocence becomes challenging when he’s using a crayon that can bring anything it draws into existence.

It’s quite unusual for Tom Hanks, at 32, to portray a young boy convincingly, or Zachary Levi to embody a teenager in “Shazam” (the original one). However, his acting in this role is off-putting due to the constant grinning and over-exaggerated expressions of childlike amazement. These actions seem forced and insincere instead of authentic.

In a peculiar twist, when Moose and Porcupine venture out from their usual habitats, they transform into humans. To avoid delving into unsolvable mysteries, let’s simply acknowledge that fact. This unique trio stirs up a bit of mischief, attaching themselves to a single mother named Terry, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, and her son Mel, played by Benjamin Bottani. As the story unfolds, Harold, Moose, and Porcupine find themselves entangled in Terry’s troubles: the loss of her spouse, a stagnant job, an overactive imagination in her child, and a flirtatious librarian.

In the realm of “Harold and the Purple Crayon”, my situation seems grim, but suddenly, an unexpected hero emerges – none other than Jemaine Clement, symbolizing the rising sun from the east. He’s here to lend a helping hand (or perhaps save the day) for this movie. Interestingly, he portrays Library Gary, a writer of fantastical romance novels, who harbors feelings for Terry.

Although Clement’s arrogant literary persona shares some similarities with his role in the 2009 comedy “Gentleman Broncos,” he still manages to feel refreshing and formidable as an opponent. If Harold uses his crayon to conjure planes and pies from nothingness, Gary intends much darker things (and more amorous ones too), summoning a malevolent fantasy realm with magical staffs, a fiery floor, and maidens dressed scantily.

In this film, Clement’s unique style is what makes it worth watching, as he serves as a contrast to an overly sweet and emotional story about creativity. Gary provides necessary tension, while Clement appears enthusiastic, which unfortunately cannot be said for Deschanel, whose acting seems lackluster and unengaging. It might be best to ignore the performances of Levi, Howery, and Reynolds for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

In a fresh take on the subject: The sole performer who truly embodies “Harold and the Purple Crayon’s” essence is young Bottani as Mel, as children find it easier to embrace the concept of imagination’s transformative abilities. Regarding the decision to adapt this story for an adult audience, you might need to delve into your own creative mind, if it isn’t otherwise engaged.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-08-04 18:09

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