Movie Review: Howard the Duck (1986)

★★★★★

It’s the weirdest Marvel movie ever made, and somehow, that’s exactly why I love it.

Terry B.

Kansas

When people talk about Marvel movies, they usually start with Iron Man in 2008. But long before Robert Downey Jr. put on the suit, Marvel took a very strange, very risky leap into the world of live-action film — and his name was Howard. Howard the Duck (1986) isn’t just a movie; it’s a pop culture anomaly. It’s one of those films you either secretly love or loudly mock, but no one ever seems to forget.

As a reviewer for BoxReview.com, I’ve seen my fair share of “so-bad-they’re-good” movies, but Howard the Duck occupies a unique space. It’s a cinematic time capsule of 1980s Hollywood excess, with all the neon lighting, practical effects, and bizarre tonal shifts that could only exist in that era. And while most reviews focus on its infamous box office flop status, I want to dig into the parts that often get overlooked, the moments that make Howard the Duck more fascinating than most people give it credit for.

The Forgotten Marvel Experiment

First, let’s acknowledge something: Howard the Duck is technically Marvel Studios’ first theatrical feature film. Sure, it’s nothing like the MCU we know today, but that fact alone makes it historically important. George Lucas, still riding high from Star Wars, produced it, and Willard Huyck (who co-wrote American Graffiti) directed. They were convinced audiences would be ready for a sarcastic, cigar-chomping alien duck with a thing for Earth women.

And in a way… they weren’t entirely wrong. The concept of Howard, a snarky outsider poking fun at human absurdity, works. The execution? Well, that’s where things get messy.

A Masterclass in Practical Effects (No, Really)

Most people remember Howard as a “weird duck puppet,” but credit where credit is due: the animatronics and suit work were incredibly advanced for the time. Howard’s facial expressions, those blinking eyes, and the beak movements were achieved with a mix of puppeteering and radio controls that rivaled The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.

Sure, he never looked quite real, but he looked consistently fake in a charming way. There’s something more endearing about Howard’s tangible, tactile presence than the slick CGI characters we get now. You can see the craft, the sweat, and the borderline madness it took to make that duck waddle convincingly on camera.

The Unsung Hero: Lea Thompson

Most reviews mention Lea Thompson because of the infamous “duck romance” subplot, but few give her enough credit for her performance. Playing Beverly Switzler, Thompson somehow delivers a warm, charismatic performance opposite an animatronic duck without a hint of irony.

She commits 100%, selling the absurdity of Howard’s existence while also bringing genuine heart to the film. Her rock band subplot adds a slice of 80s music culture, complete with big hair, leather jackets, and catchy (if cheesy) original songs. Honestly, her work here might be one of the most impressive feats of acting in a “flop” film.

The Script’s Tonal Identity Crisis

Here’s where things get wild. Howard the Duck swings between adult-oriented satire and kid-friendly adventure, and it never fully commits to either lane. One minute, we’re getting jokes about unemployment and romance; the next, we’re watching cartoonish chase scenes with slapstick humor.

This whiplash is one reason critics tore it apart in 1986. But in hindsight, that unpredictability is part of its charm. Modern blockbusters are so focus-grouped and tonally consistent that something this chaotic feels refreshingly unpredictable. You truly never know what’s coming next, whether it’s a laser battle or a tender, quiet conversation between a woman and her extraterrestrial roommate.

The Special Effects Finale That Doesn’t Get Enough Love

Everyone remembers Howard himself, but the final act’s “Dark Overlord” transformation deserves more attention. This grotesque stop-motion creature, designed by Phil Tippett’s team, is pure 80s effects gold. It’s creepy, it’s rubbery, and it’s gloriously over-the-top, a lost art in an era before digital monsters dominated screens.

The climactic showdown, with its glowing laser beams and miniature sets, is a visual feast for fans of practical effects. It’s easy to laugh at now, but it’s also the kind of craftsmanship that makes you nostalgic for the days when filmmakers had to build their monsters by hand.

A Soundtrack Straight from the MTV Era

The Howard the Duck soundtrack is pure 1986 energy. Thomas Dolby’s involvement (yes, the “She Blinded Me with Science” guy) gives the music a synth-heavy, quirky edge that fits the film’s oddball personality. Beverly’s band songs are cheesy, yes, but they’re also incredibly catchy. I dare you not to hum them after the credits roll.

Why Howard the Duck Deserves a Second Look

No, it’s not a misunderstood masterpiece, but it’s also not the cinematic disaster history makes it out to be. Howard the Duck is the kind of movie that reminds us film is as much about bold choices as it is about safe ones. Marvel could have started with something conventional. Instead, they gave us a sarcastic duck from another planet, practical effects wizardry, and a rock band subplot.

In the age of formulaic superhero films, Howard the Duck feels weirdly refreshing. It’s messy, yes, but also sincere in its commitment to its own absurdity. Watching it now is like opening a time capsule from a stranger, full of bizarre trinkets you can’t quite explain but can’t stop looking at.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve avoided Howard the Duck because of its reputation, I say give it a shot. Go in knowing it’s a product of its time, a mid-80s experiment that blends science fiction, romance, comedy, and rock ‘n’ roll into something entirely unique.

It’s not the Marvel movie anyone expected, then or now. But it’s also proof that sometimes, taking the strangest possible swing leaves a mark that lasts decades. And honestly? I think Howard would appreciate that.