The beloved 1955 children's book Harold and the Purple Crayon has been transformed into a feature film, nearly 70 years after its release. Written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, the book follows Harold, a child who can create anything he imagines with his magical purple crayon. The film begins with an animation capturing the original illustrations before extending the story.
As the movie unfolds, we see Harold as an adult, still dressed in a onesie, who, with his sketched friends Moose and Porcupine, steps through a magical door labeled "Real World." Miraculously, Harold finds himself in Providence, Rhode Island, transitioning from a drawn character to a real person. Together, they navigate the challenges of the real world and seek out the "old man" who created their story.
Much of the story echoes concepts seen in films like Enchanted and Elf, with adult Harold unfamiliar with real-life customs. Zooey Deschanel portrays Terry, a skeptical woman who gradually warms to Harold's whimsical nature, particularly after her creative son, Mel, advocates for him. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, known for the Ice Age franchise, the film blends whimsical animation with live-action scenes, maintaining a playful tone.
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Despite some clichéd elements, the film emphasizes imagination and creativity. The antagonist, librarian Gary, misuses the crayon for selfish gains, but the conflict resolves with a touching lesson on empathy. While the storyline may feel familiar, the film's visual appeal and imaginative essence offer a fresh take on a cherished classic. The film is rated PG and runs for 92 minutes. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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