Release: 2024-07-31
Runtime: 1h 30m (90 minutes)
Inside of his book, adventurous Harold 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.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Cast: Zooey Deschanel, Alfred Molina, Zachary Levi, more
Zooey Deschanel
as Terry
Alfred Molina
as Narrator (voice)
Zachary Levi
as Harold
Camille Guaty
as Junior Detective Silva
Jemaine Clement
as Gary
Tanya Reynolds
as Porcupine
Lil Rel Howery
as Moose
Pete Gardner
as Detective Love
Danny Vinson
as Old Man with Cane
Catherine Davis
as Kat
Elizabeth Becka
as Ms. Barnaby
Ravi Patel
as Prasad
Inside of his book, adventurous Harold 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.
Everything he draws is about to get real.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a new fantasy comedy film released on 2 August 2024. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, this film marks his first venture into live-action features. The screenplay is written by David Guion and Michael Handelman and is based on the beloved children’s book by Crockett Johnson, published in 1955.
The film blends live-action with animation and features a talented cast including Zachary Levi as Harold, Lil Rel Howery as Moose, and Zooey Deschanel as Terri. The story follows Harold, who as an adult still wields his magical purple crayon, bringing to life whatever he draws.
In this sequel, Harold steps out of his book and into the real world, where he learns valuable life lessons. The plot thickens when Harold embarks on a journey to find an old man he believes to be his father. Alongside his friend Moose, who becomes human, they encounter challenges and new friends, including a boy named Mel and his mother, Terri.
With a budget of $40 million, the film had its premiere in Culver City on 21 July 2024, but unfortunately, it did not perform well at the box office, grossing only $32 million globally. Critics have generally viewed the film negatively, with the film holding a low score of 28% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 72 reviews.
The film has been criticized for straying too far from the simplicity and charm of the original story, with critics noting that it feels overcomplicated. However, it still appeals to younger audiences who appreciate magical adventures.
Despite its mixed reviews, Harold and the Purple Crayon offers a nostalgic journey for fans of the original book, showcasing the adventures of a character who captures the imagination of children and adults alike. The film is now available for digital download and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on 8 October 2024.
