A Laugh-Out-Loud Journey in Imagination

One of my favorite books to read to my children was Harold and the Purple Crayon. Harold and his crayon have entertained children for close to 70 years. Can Hollywood deliver a movie that is on par with the book? In Harold and the Purple Crayon Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

While I have a love of children’s picture books, I just assumed everyone has read this beloved children’s classic by author, Crockett Johnson. It was first published in 1955 and features a young boy on an imaginative journey that lands him right back where he started. If you haven’t read the book, I would really recommend it.

Harold and the Purple Crayon Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

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.

My Synopsis:

Zachary Levi plays Harold from the children’s book by Crockett Johnson. Harold hears from the old man (his creator), but one day when he fails to hear the voice, he ventures into the real world to find him. He takes Moose along with him, and soon after Porcupine follows along. 

Hilarious hijinks ensue when Harold encounters new adventures.

Harold and the Purple Crayon Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

No foul language. There are a couple of instances of using God’s name. One oh my g-d, and one thank g-d.

There are several instances of “potty” language: “You’re touching his butt.” “Did I just poop my pants?”

Other words used include: moron and dumb.

Violence:

A young boy gets bullied in school. When he tries to defend himself, he gets sent to the principal’s office.

Mild violence includes mayhem in a store when a child’s ride takes off and shelves get knocked over. Eventually, a small fire breaks out. Furthermore, there is an accident with a vehicle.

Harold and his friends are arrested and put in jail. They “break out” with the help of his crayon. 

Additionally, plenty of driving laws are broken. 

Finally, in the final conflict, there are swords, lava, flashing lights, and a battle.

Spiritual Content:

Harold’s crayon runs on imagination. 

Adult Content:

In one scene, Harold has half a crayon and the antagonist Library Gary has the other half. Gary says, “Mine is bigger.” While I didn’t even pick up on this, my husband did.

Library Gary is doing a reading of his book in the public library. He reads a passage that includes the words, “masculine nipples.”

Another person says, “I drank until I was intoxicated.”

One woman is shown in a short costume.

Other Content:

In a very funny scene, while working, Harold says, “This is soul-crushing. Why would anyone have a job?” While this isn’t the message we want to send to our children, I think the bigger message is to find something you love doing.

One character has lost his father due to death. It is never said exactly how the father has died, but the mother is unhappy, and the child wants the mom to be happy again.

Positive Content:

This is a very creative movie and filled with imagination. It is a great movie to watch after reading the book. 

In the film, there is a character that is working at a job she doesn’t like. Harold encourages her to pursue what she loves doing. While God has created us with unique talents, as a Christian, I believe that we are created with a purpose. When we seek God, we will know that purpose and find satisfaction in our work which ultimately brings glory to God.

“Life isn’t something that just happens to you. It’s what you create.”

Christian Review of Harold and the Purple Crayon – My Viewing Recommendations

Our family laughed uproariously at this film. It is funny and cute. At one point, my adult son leaned over and said, “Is Zachary Levi always typecast as a 12-year-old boy?” (He actually is a 12-year-old boy in Shazam.) Yes, yes, he is. However, his face and expressions make this believable.

I love almost everything Zachary Levi has starred in. Have you seen Chuck? It is one of my favorite series. And even with the cheesy CGI, Harold and the Purple Crayon shines!

While this is a cute and enjoyable film, some younger children might be afraid of the end battle scene. However, it is pretty mild with a war of the imagination using what they can draw with crayons. 

My overall recommendation is ages 5-7 and up.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for mild action and thematic elements.

Release Date: August 2, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Genre: Comedy, Adventure

Style: Animation/Live-Action

Studio: Columbia Pictures, Davis Entertainment

Directed by: Carlos Saldanha 

Written by: David Guion, Michael Handelman

Based on the Book: Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Produced by: John Davis

Edited by: Tia Nolan, Mark Helfrich

Music by: Bantu Sener

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Cast of Harold and the Purple Crayon:

Zachary Levi as Harold

Zooey Deschanel as Terry

Benjamin Bottani as Mel

Lil Rey Howery as Moose

Tanya Reynolds as Porcupine

Jermaine Clement as Gary Natwick (Library Gary)

Alfred Molina as The Narrator

Ravi Patel as Pravda

Camille Guaty as Detective Silva

Pete Gardner as Detective Love

Seth Robbins as Oscar

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch Harold and the Purple Crayon?

Harold and the Purple Crayon releases into theaters on August 2, 2024. At that point in time, it is only in the theaters.

Is there an end-credit scene for Harold and the Purple Crayon?

There is not an end-credit scene, but do not immediately leave when the credits begin rolling. There is a short mid-credit scene.

Where will Harold and the Purple Crayon stream?

Harold and the Purple Crayon is expected to stream on Netflix because of a deal between that platform and Sony Pictures Releasing.

How much did it cost to produce Harold and the Purple Crayon?

The production cost for Harold and the Purple Crayon was $40 million.