In the vibrant summer of 1986, Universal Studios and the iconic Lucas Productions, yes, THAT Lucas Productions, unveiled a cinematic creation that history might remember as one of the most peculiar yet strangely beloved films of all time. This cinematic venture, Howard The Duck, assembled an ensemble cast of considerable talent, featuring the likes of Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, and Tim Robbins. Backed by a budget of $35 million, the film, unfortunately, fell short at the box office, grossing a reported $16,295,774 in the United States, according to the IMDB website.
The narrative unfolds with Howard, a humanoid duck originating from a planet eerily similar to Earth, where the dominant species is not Homo sapiens but rather our feathered friends – ducks. The film begins with Howard, the titular character, returning home after a taxing day, indulging in the mundane activities of checking mail, sipping on a beer, and catching a glimpse of television. However, his routine takes a cosmic twist when his chair begins to shake, and he is abruptly pulled through a mysterious space beam, finding himself mysteriously transported to Cleveland, Ohio.
In this unfamiliar setting, Howard encounters the less savory aspects of humanity until an encounter with Beverly (played by Lea Thompson), a hopeful rock star who treats him with unexpected kindness, becomes a turning point. As the story unfolds, the trio, including Beverly’s scientist friend Phil (portrayed by Tim Robbins), delves into the mystery of Howard’s interplanetary journey. This investigation introduces them to Dr. Jenning (depicted by Jeffrey Jones), a scientist working on a laser spectroscope, which, as it turns out, is the device responsible for Howard’s unexpected arrival on Earth.
However, the plot thickens as the spectroscope, when activated again, attracts a formidable being known as the Dark Overlord of the Universe. This malevolent force seizes control of Dr. Jenning and harbors sinister plans of world domination, utilizing the spectroscope to bring forth more Dark Overlords. It falls upon the unlikely trio – Howard, Beverly, and Phil – to thwart this cosmic threat and save the planet from impending doom.
The roots of Howard The Duck trace back to the Marvel Comics character created by Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik, debuting in December 1973 in the comic book Adventure Into Fear #19. In 1976, Howard earned his standalone title, spanning 31 issues, and intermittently graced readers with limited-run series over the years.
Despite initial critical disdain upon its release, Howard The Duck has undergone a fascinating transformation, garnering a cult following in subsequent years. The film’s Blu-ray release in March 2016 provided an opportunity for reevaluation, leading to a newfound appreciation by some enthusiasts, including this author. Upon revisiting the movie, one is compelled to consider whether the negative reviews were perhaps a result of audience expectations that failed to align with the film’s unique charm.
The script itself emerges as a dynamic force, delivering a seamless blend of humor and adventure. The narrative maintains a relentless pace, with occasional hiccups in the comedy department. Nonetheless, the overall experience proves surprisingly satisfying, standing the test of time through repeated viewings. It begs the question whether the initial critical reception was influenced by a lack of familiarity with the comic source material.
The cast, undoubtedly a highlight, contributes significantly to the film’s appeal. Lea Thompson, in her prime, shines as Beverly, exuding chemistry with the unconventional protagonist, Howard. Thompson’s portrayal, coupled with her musical talents showcased in the rock band Cherry Bomb, adds a distinct flavor to the film’s soundtrack – a quintessential reflection of the ’80s era.
Tim Robbins, despite occasional overzealousness, fittingly embodies the character of Phil. His on-screen rapport with Beverly and Howard injects a delightful energy into the movie, especially notable in the ultralight plane police chase, a standout moment.
Jeffrey Jones, perfectly cast as Dr. Jenning, undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, with subtle makeup prosthetics enhancing the transition into the Dark Overlord. The film’s visual aesthetics, from beautifully shot scenes with impeccable angles to the ominous atmosphere of Jenning’s laboratory, contribute to its unique appeal.
However, as much as one might enjoy the film, it is not without its faults. The secondary characters, particularly the thugs and lowlifes encountered by Howard and company, often come across as more goofy than genuinely threatening, diminishing the intended tension. Additionally, the visual effects, provided by Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), fall short of expectations, especially considering George Lucas’s previous successes with the Star Wars franchise.
The duck costume, while not conforming to comic book imagery, surprisingly garners approval for its expressive face and the endearing nature it lends to Howard’s character. Yet, the ILM-generated visual effects, particularly those associated with the Dark Overlord and Jenning’s eye beams, receive criticism for their perceived shortcomings in execution.
Despite these flaws, Howard The Duck, now over three decades old, remains a captivating and unique addition to the Marvel Universe. The film’s significance is further highlighted by Howard’s reappearance in the post-credits scene of 2014’s Guardians Of The Galaxy, affirming the character’s enduring legacy.
Approaching Howard The Duck with no preconceived expectations may unveil its true charm. As a talking duck takes center stage, this cinematic oddity provides a delightful escape, reminding us that sometimes, in the realm of entertainment, the unconventional can be truly enjoyable. And so, as the quirky quacks echo through the corridors of cinema history, Howard The Duck stands tall, a testament to the enduring power of the bizarre in storytelling.
~David Albaugh
