Some backstory: Howard T. Duck, a resident of the planet Duckworld, where everything is identical to Earth except humans are replaced by anthropomorphic ducks, arrives home one day after a long day’s work. He sits in his living room chair to relax, but is suddenly flung out into space and finds himself in the gritty alleys of 1980s Cleveland. Attempting to make sense of his situation, he befriends Beverly, the lead singer of a local band trying to catch their big break.
After speaking (since Howard already speaks perfect English, of course) with a few scientists at a local laboratory, Howard learns that their use of a laser spectroscope is what brought him to Earth. Through a reversal of the same process, however, they may be able to send Howard back to his home planet. But once they turn the laser spectroscope back on they suddenly teleport an evil life form, known as the Dark Overlord of the Universe, into the body of lead scientist Dr. Jenning. Howard, using a new neutron disintegrator, must then stop the Dark Overlord before he can bring his evil companions to Earth and successfully take over this new planet Howard has grown to call home.
Out of all of the films I’ve reviewed so far, this plot is the most difficult to actually put into words. So many of the insane plot points that this film introduces are either diminished or practically incoherent when typed out. This short description barely even cracks the tip of the nonsensical iceberg that is this film. With bestiality that’s barely addressed and countless spats of scientific mumbo-jumbo that don’t make sense, HOWARD THE DUCK is just as insane as the actual concept of this character.
HOWARD THE DUCK strives in its absurdities, though. It pushes its audience beyond any point of rationality that comic book films have pushed audiences before. Watching a group of customers in a diner attempt to kill and cook Howard doesn’t cause a whimsical laugh out of its audience, like comic books films traditionally stick to, but rather, a hearty chuckle at the realization that everyone in the scene agreed to participate in this. Everyone had to grab this actor in the most unrealistic looking duck costume, throw him on a table, and pretend like they wanted to eat him.
One of the most difficult elements of this film for the actors and actresses is sometimes overwhelmingly visible on their face. These actors and actresses, some late in their career, and some just starting out, had to look this duck in the face and attempt to be somewhat professional. Standing in front of this costume attempting to work seems like an almost impossible feat. Several times throughout the film, it almost appears as if the actors and actresses are holding back their laughter just from looking at the monstrosity.
At no point during the film does this costume constitute itself as anything other than a distraction from this film. Simultaneously, however, this costume has become a landmark of this film, serving as a perfect visual representation to what this film is. If the costume were any higher quality, so many of the absurd moments that this film sets up would be weakened. Seeing this uncanny monster play a guitar solo while a band sings a song specifically about him (which is worth a quick Google) acts as a highlight of the film, and so much of its absurdist gloriousness stems from just how awful Howard looks up on stage while a roaring crowd cheers him on, chanting his name over and over again.
Now let me clarify. HOWARD THE DUCK is not made for everyone. It isn’t action-packed, it isn’t heartfelt and it barely even grasps the audience’s attention. But, out of all of its insanity, it is purely unique. Never has a comic book movie such as this been made. While watching this film, and sitting through pun after pun, it becomes very apparent that this film was a risk. HOWARD THE DUCK, despite the many cons it has going against it is exactly what it promises it will be. Though it’s not made for everyone, the accomplishment that comes from watching this film is too great to pass up on. So, even if you find yourself in the group of people who despise, and I mean despise, this film, HOWARD THE DUCK isn’t just a film, but rather an experience.
HOWARD THE DUCK isn’t just a film, but rather an experience. HOWARD THE DUCK may ruffle a few feathers (okay, I’m sorry about this one), but it’s the kind of film that needed to be made. The risks that this film takes are very apparent, and instead of being frowned upon for them, I believe it deserves to be appreciated for them. I reiterate; you will more than likely hate this movie. But, some part of you will secretly love it. The music is blaring, the acting insinuates a bit of insanity in each actor and actress, and the story is beyond complicated. Yet HOWARD THE DUCK exists for a reason, one that shows future comic book films that risks are meant to be made, even if they don’t necessarily succeed at first. So, if you haven’t seen it, watch this film. You may hate it, but why not take that risk?
Written by William Staton, Retro Reviewer -- Click to read William's reviews
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