Howard the Duck (1986)
Synopsis:
A scientific experiment goes awry when a laser beam accidentally transports extraterrestrial life forms to Earth, beginning with Howard, a cigar-smoking duck from another planet. After his unexpected arrival, Howard encounters Beverly Switzler and a group of kids who befriend him and try to protect him from greedy scientists eager to study this unusual visitor. Together, they work to find a way to send Howard back to his home planet. However, their mission becomes more urgent and dangerous when the same laser beam brings a far more menacing extraterrestrial creature to Earth. This fantasy-comedy adventure follows Howard and his new human friends as they navigate the challenges of keeping him safe while dealing with the threat of this less friendly alien presence.
Where To Watch: Howard the Duck
Parental Feedback
Howard the Duck blends science fiction adventure with comedy and romance in a fast-paced story that follows an extraterrestrial duck brought to Earth through a scientific experiment. Parents should expect a mix of lighthearted humor and action sequences, along with some science fiction elements involving alien creatures and laser technology. The tone balances comedic moments with adventure-driven scenes as characters work to help Howard return home while facing threats from scientists and other extraterrestrial beings.
Why Kids Should Watch Howard the Duck
This science fiction adventure offers several elements that can engage young viewers looking for imaginative entertainment.
The story presents a unique premise that sparks imagination, featuring an extraterrestrial duck navigating life on Earth. This creative concept encourages children to think about different worlds and life forms beyond our planet.
The narrative includes themes of friendship and helping others, as a group of kids works together to protect Howard from scientists and assist him in returning home. These cooperative efforts demonstrate the value of standing up for someone in need.
The blend of multiple genres including fantasy, comedy, and adventure provides variety in storytelling that can hold children's attention. The mix of humor and action creates an entertaining experience with different types of scenes.
The film features recognizable actors in a family-friendly production backed by established studios. The involvement of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Universal Pictures brought professional production values to this imaginative story.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Howard the Duck
Parents may want to consider several factors before deciding if this is appropriate for their children.
The science fiction elements include a "much less friendly being" that arrives through the laser beam, which could be intense or frightening for younger or more sensitive viewers. The contrast between the comedic duck character and more threatening alien creatures may create tonal shifts.
The PG rating suggests some content that parents might want to preview first, and the inclusion of romance as one of the genres indicates relationship elements that may not interest all children. The cigar-smoking drake character also models a behavior parents typically don't want children to emulate.
The critical reception, with low ratings across multiple review platforms, suggests the film may not deliver the quality entertainment families expect. Parents investing nearly two hours of viewing time may find the execution doesn't match the creative premise.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Howard the Duck receives conditional approval for families with older children who enjoy science fiction adventures and can handle some intense alien-related scenes, though parents should preview given the mixed content and critical reception.
What Parents Should Know About Howard the Duck
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The film shows kids helping someone in need and working together to protect Howard from exploitation, demonstrating compassion and teamwork. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The arrival of a threatening extraterrestrial being and scenes involving scientists pursuing Howard could create tension that younger children may find unsettling. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The greedy scientists who pursue Howard are portrayed as antagonists, showing that exploiting others for personal gain is wrong. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The kids collaborate to keep Howard safe and help him return home, reinforcing the importance of working together toward a common goal. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Children can learn about accepting those who are different, helping others in difficult situations, and the value of friendship across differences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parental feedback on Howard the Duck tends to be mixed, with many families finding the premise more appealing than the execution. Parents appreciate the imaginative concept of an extraterrestrial duck and the themes of friendship and helping others, but express concerns about tonal inconsistencies and some content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. The PG rating gives families some guidance, though many parents recommend previewing before sharing with children. The science fiction elements and action sequences appeal to some families, while others feel the film doesn't deliver on its creative potential. Overall, parents suggest this works best for older children who enjoy quirky science fiction adventures and can handle some intense moments involving alien creatures.
Official Howard the Duck Trailer
Why Kids Love Howard the Duck
Kids get a kick out of watching a cigar-smoking duck from another planet stumble through Earth, creating cartoon-style chaos wherever he waddles. Howard's sarcastic attitude and fish-out-of-water reactions to human life spark plenty of silly jokes and awkward situations that feel like a live-action cartoon come to life.
The science experiment gone wrong delivers fast-paced action when that laser beam accidentally zaps Howard to Earth—and later brings something much more dangerous through the same portal. Phil and Beverly team up with Howard to outsmart greedy scientists who want to capture him, turning the rescue mission into a wild adventure full of unexpected friendships and close calls.
When Dr. Jenning gets possessed by that unfriendly extraterrestrial being, the stakes skyrocket into full-blown monster mayhem. Kids love seeing Howard and his human friends work together to save the day, proving that even a three-foot-tall duck can be a hero when teamwork wins out.
Howard stands out as the ultimate unique character—a talking duck who refuses to blend in and isn't afraid to be himself. His journey from wanting to escape Earth to helping someone in need shows that being different can be your greatest strength when the world needs saving.