“Howard the Duck” (1986) Movie Review: A Quirky Cult Classic from the Marvel Universe
Introduction
“Howard the Duck,” a 1986 science fiction comedy film directed by Willard Huyck, is one of Marvel’s earliest cinematic ventures. Starring Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, and Tim Robbins, the film follows the adventures of a wise-cracking anthropomorphic duck from another planet who ends up on Earth. Despite its initial critical and commercial failure, “Howard the Duck” has since gained a cult following. This review explores the film’s plot, performances, and its place in pop culture, along with where to stream or rent it in the United States.
Plot Summary
“Howard the Duck” begins on a distant planet where anthropomorphic ducks live in a society similar to that of humans. Howard (voiced by Chip Zien), a sarcastic and witty duck, is unexpectedly transported to Earth due to an experiment gone wrong. He lands in Cleveland, Ohio, where he befriends aspiring rock singer Beverly Switzler (Lea Thompson). As Howard tries to find a way back to his home planet, he and Beverly encounter Dr. Walter Jenning (Jeffrey Jones), who reveals that the same experiment that brought Howard to Earth has also unleashed a dark overlord from another dimension. Together, they must stop this evil entity from destroying the world.
Performance and Direction
Lea Thompson delivers a spirited performance as Beverly, bringing warmth and charm to her role as Howard’s human ally. Jeffrey Jones portrays Dr. Jenning with a mix of eccentricity and menace, especially as he transforms under the influence of the dark overlord. Tim Robbins adds comedic flair as Phil Blumburtt, a bumbling lab assistant. The film’s titular character, Howard, is brought to life through a combination of puppetry and costume work, with Chip Zien’s voice performance giving the character a distinct personality.
Director Willard Huyck embraces the film’s campy and outlandish premise, crafting a narrative that blends science fiction, comedy, and adventure. While the execution may be uneven, Huyck’s direction maintains a playful and irreverent tone throughout.
Cinematography and Special Effects
The cinematography by Richard H. Kline captures the eclectic and colorful world of “Howard the Duck,” from the gritty streets of Cleveland to the surreal scenes involving the dark overlord. The practical effects, including Howard’s animatronic suit and puppetry, were groundbreaking at the time, though they may appear dated by today’s standards. The film’s special effects, particularly in the climactic battle against the dark overlord, showcase 80s sci-fi creativity.
Streaming Availability
In the United States, “Howard the Duck” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. The film may also be accessible on other streaming services like Hulu or Netflix, depending on their current library offerings.
Rental and Purchase Options
For those who prefer to rent or purchase “Howard the Duck,” the film is available on multiple major platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- iTunes: Rent or buy with options for HD.
- Google Play: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or buy in HD and SD.
- Vudu: Rent or buy in HDX, HD, and SD.
Conclusion
“Howard the Duck” stands as a quirky and unconventional entry in the Marvel cinematic history, offering a mix of comedy, adventure, and science fiction. Despite its initial reception, the film has earned a place in pop culture as a cult classic, appreciated for its campy charm and unique premise. Lea Thompson’s engaging performance and the film’s playful tone make it an entertaining watch, particularly for fans of 80s cinema and Marvel lore. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, “Howard the Duck” provides a memorable and offbeat cinematic experience.
