Evident good intentions are not matched by dramatic craftsmanship in the fantasy “Harold and the Purple Crayon” (Columbia). Though director Carlos Saldanha’s blend of animation and live action, adapted from the 1955 children’s book by Crockett Johnson, makes some respectable moral points, it’s not especially entertaining.
When the artist who created him suddenly stops narrating his story, the cartoon character of the title (Zachary Levi) ventures into the real world to find out why. He’s accompanied by his two best pals, a moose (Lil Rel Howery) and a porcupine (Tanya Reynolds), both of whom take on human form in the course of the transition.
As he adjusts to life in 3-D, Harold befriends Terri (Zooey Deschanel) a widowed young mother, and her bullied son, Mel (Benjamin Bottani). But he and his traveling companions find themselves comically ill-equipped to cope with the complexities of their new setting, despite Harold’s magical ability to summon into existence any object he draws with his purple crayon.
The gentle overall tone of the proceedings is frequently interrupted by what are meant to be madcap adventures and incidents of harmless mayhem. Yet these produce little excitement.
Some laughs are generated by the character of Terri’s would-be boyfriend Gary (Jemaine Clement), a librarian and the author of a wretchedly bad novel set in an imaginary version of the Middle Ages. A few other sallies hit home as well.
On the serious side of the ledger, David Guion and Michael Handelman’s script celebrates the power of imagination. It also offers viewers lessons about the need for self-confidence and trust in others, the importance of helping out those in difficult situations and the value of forgiveness in bringing about a happy ending.
Saldanha’s movie is, moreover, suitable for all but the smallest moviegoers, who might be frightened by some scenes and unsettled by brief discussions about death. Despite all its amiable aspects, however – including Harold’s childlike innocence – the production ultimately registers as an inoffensive misfire.
The film contains perilous situations, some potty humor, brief references to mortality and a couple of mild oaths. The OSV News classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
