Harold and the Purple Crayon is a book that so many of us remember fondly- either from our own childhood, or from our early days reading to our children. Harold and the Purple Crayon (the new movie) has a lot of elements done well without being heavy-handed. It certainly has flaws if you are looking for them, but it inspires people to make their lives whatever they want them to be. That is all that Crockett Johnson wanted for Harold when he created him and what many people are looking for right now. Here is my Parent’s Guide review of Harold and the Purple Crayon:
About the film
Inside of his book, adventurous Harold (Zachary Levi) can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book’s pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life—and that his trusty purple crayon may set off more hilarious hijinks than he thought possible. When the power of unlimited imagination falls into the wrong hands, it will take all of Harold and his friends’ creativity to save both the real world and his own. Harold and the Purple Crayon is the first film adaptation of the beloved children’s classic that has captivated young readers for decades.
Three things I loved about Harold and the Purple Crayon
- One notable thing about Harold and the Purple Crayon is how they embraced presenting theatrical entertainment without many of the worries that parents face with most “PG” movies now. There were no spiritual elements, sexual content, curse words, potty humor (unless you consider “Pooped my pants” a questionable phrase), no drugs, no alcohol, and the extent of the violent content was a scene with bullies that resulted in a bloody nose that may or may not have been on purpose. There was an element of lava/fire, so if your child is sensitive to this element be warned. Death is also discussed, as the child in the film has recently lost his father.
- Right now, many studios are facing an obstacle in figuring out what audiences are willing to go to the theater, pay a not small amount of money and choose to spend their time to see. When it comes to underserved audiences, multi generational families usually get films twice a year that everyone can go to the movies collectively and see. That is Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most are animated. The older people usually deferring to spending their holiday watching a movie geared towards kids. Grandparents, extended family, young kids, teenagers, and parents rarely find a movie outside of those two holidays that everyone can experience together as a core memory. With Harold and the Purple Crayon, we find this audience is being served well, and just in time for the end of summer and back to school! It is a great way to wrap up the summer together.
- The topic of bullying is covered in the film, though it is with a lighter touch. It is addressed as an obstacle that young Mel (portrayed by Benjamin Bottani) faces, but not one that is the driving force behind being drawn to Harold. The creativity that Harold offers him in the crayon really represents a form of hope that he can escape the reality he is in and create the world he wants to see. It really lends to the conflict that the Mel is facing over the loss of his father.
The downsides to Harold and the Purple Crayon
I had a tough time thinking of any parts of the film I did not really enjoy. The major negative I noticed from my point of view was that perhaps most audiences are used to a film that is layered as deep as possible in that most has dramatic storylines have great arcs and growth in the characters. That was not the case here. Some growth occurred, but it was not notably dramatic and was tough to pick up on. This is a simple story (very similar to the book) and is really just for a good time to remind us to never quit aiming to create a better world.
One issue that does need to be considered when letting this film off the hook as pure entertainment and forgiving it not a heavy hand, is that there are no consequences for anyone’s actions. There’s nobody responsible for the chaos and confusion that Harold and his crayon cause in the real world. It is either something you can accept or something you cannot. I choose to accept and enjoy the ride.
Does it pass any media bias tests? Does it fail any?
What are bias tests in media? Specifically in film, TV, and movies? Click here for more info and definitions?
Does not pass the Betchel Test.
Does not pass the Racial Bechdel Test.
Does pass the Mako Mori Test.
Does pass the Ellen Willis Test.
Does pass the Tauriel Test.
Does not pass the Deggans Rule.
Does not pass the DuVernay Test.
Does not pass the Vito Russo Test.
A Parent’s Guide to Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a fun and nostalgia filled journey into the mind that has been let loose with imagination and curiosity. It has it’s limitations, but exceeds expectations in every way that counts. If you are going to the theater, expecting an epic journey versus a loose adaptation of a 30 page book from your childhood… You might walk away disappointed. But if you open your experience up to a great time with beloved characters on fun journey to find the meaning of life, then you will not be disappointed.
Movie Summary/Credits
Directed by Carlos Saldanha and produced by John Davis, the live-action hybrid family adventure/comedy stars Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani, Jemaine Clement, Tanya Reynolds with Alfred Molina and Zooey Deschanel. The film’s screenplay is written by David Guion & Michael Handelman, based on the book by Crockett Johnson.
I was lucky enough to get a chance for a fun chat via zoom with several cast members of Harold and the Purple Crayon and the videos are live on YouTube!
Check out my chat with Zachary Levi and Zooey Deschanel here:
And here is my chat with Lil Rel Howery:
Genre: Live-Action Family Adventure/Comedy
This film is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for the following reasons: mild action and thematic elements
Official Movie Website:
https://www.haroldandthepurplecrayon.movie
