Howard the Duck (1986)
Synopsis:
Howard the Duck follows the unexpected journey of Howard, a wisecracking duck from another planet, who is suddenly transported to Earth. Landing in Cleveland, he befriends a young woman named Beverly. As Howard tries to find a way back home, he becomes entangled in a battle against a dark force threatening the planet. Alongside Beverly and a quirky scientist named Phil, Howard must navigate the challenges of being a duck in a human world while confronting the sinister plans of the evil Dark Overlord. The movie is filled with action-packed sequences and comedic moments as Howard and his friends work together to save the day.
Where To Watch: Howard the Duck
Parental Feedback
Howard the Duck, released in 1986, is a science fiction comedy film that is rated PG, making it a movie for kids. The film combines elements of adventure and humor, following the story of an anthropomorphic duck who is transported to Earth. While the movie attempts to deliver a quirky and entertaining experience, parental sentiment is mixed, with some appreciating its unique charm and others concerned about its suitability for younger audiences.
Why Kids Should Watch Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck offers a unique blend of humor and adventure that can be appealing to kids.
- Promotes the theme of friendship and teamwork as Howard teams up with human characters to overcome challenges.
- Howard's character provides comic relief and a sense of adventure that can be engaging for children.
- The film's special effects and imaginative world-building can captivate young audiences.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Howard the Duck
Parents often express concerns about the film's mature themes and occasional inappropriate humor.
- Some scenes contain suggestive content that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
- The film includes moments of mild peril and action that could be intense for sensitive children.
- There are instances of crude humor that might not align with all parents' expectations for a kids' movie.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its mature themes and humor.
What Parents Should Know About Howard the Duck
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Howard learns the importance of friendship and working together with others to solve problems. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film includes scenes of mild peril and action that may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Howard's reckless actions often lead to trouble, highlighting the importance of thinking before acting. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Howard and his friends demonstrate teamwork as they collaborate to overcome obstacles. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the value of friendship and the power of working together to achieve goals. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Howard the Duck is a film that offers a mix of humor and adventure, with its unique storyline and characters being its biggest strengths. However, the presence of mature themes and occasional inappropriate humor may not make it suitable for all children. Parental involvement can help navigate these elements, ensuring a more enjoyable viewing experience. For those seeking alternatives, movies with a clearer focus on family-friendly content might be preferable.
Official Howard the Duck Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Howard the Duck
Howard the Duck's most common core values include Being unique, Friendship, and Courage. Kids experience the value of being unique through Howard, a duck from another planet who stands out no matter where he goes. Despite his differences, Howard embraces who he is, showing children that it's okay to be different. Friendship plays a major role when Howard teams up with Beverly and Phil. Their connection shows kids how supporting friends can feel like family, no matter how unusual the circumstances. Courage is evident throughout the story as Howard bravely faces challenges in a strange new world, teaching children to stand up for what they believe in, even in daunting situations.
One moment highlighting these values is when Howard steps up to protect his friends, even when he's scared. This act of courage, combined with his unique perspectives, helps him find creative solutions to big problems. Beverly's trust in Howard shows the importance of friendship. Despite their differences, they stick by each other, demonstrating how powerful friendships can become when people accept one another's uniqueness. Kids watching can see how Howard's courage and the bonds he forges with others make a difference meaning even a small, unique individual can have a big impact.
Other Core Values Explored: Being yourself | Resilience | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Howard the Duck
Accepting Your Identity: Howard’s journey on Earth highlights the importance of accepting oneself, regardless of how different one may seem. He learns that being a duck in a human world doesn’t mean he has to hide who he is, but rather, he can embrace it and thrive.
Being True to Yourself: Despite the pressure to conform, Howard stays true to who he is. This unwavering commitment to his identity teaches viewers that authenticity can be a powerful force, even when faced with skepticism or misunderstanding from others.
Embracing Your Weirdness: Howard’s quirks and unique characteristics become strengths rather than weaknesses. By celebrating his oddities rather than suppressing them, Howard shows kids that what makes them different can also be what makes them special.
Finding Courage: In a world where he doesn’t fit in, Howard continuously faces fear with bravery. His courage to confront the Dark Overlord, despite the apparent danger, demonstrates that being brave means moving forward even if you're scared.
Supporting Your Friends: Howard relies on and supports his friends, Beverly and Phil, throughout the adventure. This collaboration underscores how friendship and teamwork can overcome obstacles and help achieve shared goals.
Other Lessons Learned: Making a Difference | Valuing Deep Connection | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love Howard the Duck
Get ready for the action-packed journey of Howard the Duck, where kids encounter a whirlwind of excitement and fun. Bursting onto the scene with talking animals and cool gadgets, Howard dazzles as he embarks on secret missions throughout Earth. Kids love watching Howard, a quirky duck from another planet, as he navigates through outrageous stunts and awkward situations in the bustling city of Cleveland. The film's mix of slapstick comedy and silly jokes adds a layer of humor that keeps everyone laughing. The thrill of secret missions and epic battles fuels excitement at every turn as Howard faces the sinister Dark Overlord. Seeing a duck become an unexpected hero makes this a unique tale that stands out, capturing kids' imaginations with its fun and adventurous spirit.
Howard the Duck is a wild roller coaster of cool moments and unexpected friendships. Kids are drawn to the lively scenes where Howard uses amazing gadgets to tackle epic challenges, bringing a sense of heroic adventure. Along the way, he teams up with exciting new friends like Beverly and Phil, transforming each quirky moment into a chance for hilarity. The movie’s inventive take on saving the day showcases how a creature like Howard can outsmart foes, using his wit and humor to turn the tables. Kids find the blend of outrageous comedy and inventive action scenes captivating, as they root for a duck who’s anything but ordinary. This comedy-filled adventure, full of unique experiences, ensures laughs and edge-of-the-seat moments for all who join Howard on his unpredictable journey.