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Howard the Duck (1986) | Movie Review | Just That Film Podcast | Cult Classic or Famous Flop?
Description
We must be quackers to love this film, but we do! We cry fowl over the harsh treatment of this eggcelent eighties adventure…
In this episode of Just That Film Podcast, we revisit Howard the Duck (1986), one of the most unusual comic book movies ever made and a film that has gone from notorious box office disappointment to genuine cult favourite.
Directed by Willard Huyck and produced by George Lucas, Howard the Duck stars Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, Tim Robbins, Ed Gale as Howard (with Chip Zien providing the voice), and Jeffrey Jones in a memorable dual role. Based on the Marvel Comics character created by Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik, the film follows Howard, a wisecracking duck from another world who crash-lands on Earth and must stop an evil alien force from destroying humanity.
We discuss the film’s ambitious practical effects, quirky humour, memorable performances, and the reasons behind its infamous reputation. We also explore whether time has been kinder to Howard the Duck, its place in comic book movie history, and why it has developed such a loyal cult following over the decades.
Despite its initial critical and commercial failure, Howard the Duck remains a fascinating piece of 1980s cinema and one of the strangest entries in Marvel’s live-action history.
Is Howard the Duck an unfairly dismissed cult classic, or does it deserve its reputation as one of Hollywood’s most infamous flops?
🎬 Topics include:
• George Lucas’ involvement as producer
• Lea Thompson’s standout performance
• Howard’s place in Marvel history
• The groundbreaking creature effects
• The film’s bizarre humour and tone
• Favourite scenes and unforgettable moments
• Why it became a cult classic
• Has Howard the Duck aged better than its reputation suggests?
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