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Howard the Duck
1986 110 min United States of America PG 12+
★4.4
Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction
Director: Willard Huyck
Trailers
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Teaser
Teaser
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Description
A scientific experiment unknowingly brings extraterrestrial life forms to the Earth through a laser beam. First is the cigar-smoking drake, Howard, from the duck's planet. A few kids try to keep him from the greedy scientists and help him back to his planet, but then a much less friendly being arrives through the beam...
Budget:
$37M
US Gross:
$16.3M
Worldwide:
$38M
Starring
Lea Thompson
Actor
Jeffrey Jones
Actor
Tim Robbins
Actor
Awards
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Screenplay
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Visual Effects
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst New Star
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Song
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Supporting Actor
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Visual Effects
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst New Star
Razzie Awards 1987
— Worst Picture
Key opinion
Howard the Duck is a highly divisive cult film that balances charming 80s nostalgia and absurdist humor against claims of a disjointed narrative and awkward execution. While some viewers celebrate its unique, irreverent tone and production design, others criticize it as a misguided failure with a poorly realized central character.
| Production | The 80s aesthetic, synth-driven soundtrack, and period-specific atmosphere provide a distinct, immersive charm for fans of the era. | |
| Acting | Lea Thompson's charismatic performance as Beverly Switzer and the committed supporting work from Tim Robbins and Jeffrey Jones add genuine value to an otherwise shaky production. | |
| Humor | The film’s humor is highly polarizing, viewed either as a clever, edgy, and misunderstood parody or as crass, uncomfortable, and disjointed comedy. | |
| Production | The central duck costume and practical effects divide audiences, with some praising the puppetry’s tactile quality while others find the creature unconvincing and visually grotesque. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is criticized for abandoning character development in favor of a messy, frantic plot that feels tonally confused between children's fantasy and adult-oriented satire. | |
| Direction | The direction by Willard Huyck is frequently cited as the primary reason for the film's failure, with many arguing that he lacked the vision to balance the absurd premise. |