“Howard the Duck” is a science-fiction comedy film directed by Willard Huyck and released in 1986. The film is based on the Marvel Comics character Howard the Duck and stars Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, and Tim Robbins. Despite its cult following, the film was a critical and commercial failure upon release.

The film follows Howard, a humanoid duck from another planet who gets stranded on Earth and has to find a way back home while dealing with the bizarre human world. Along the way, he befriends a struggling musician named Beverly (Lea Thompson) and they must team up to defeat the evil overlord responsible for Howard’s interdimensional mishap.

The film’s biggest issue is its lack of direction and coherence. The plot feels disjointed and poorly executed, making it difficult to invest in the story or characters. The comedy falls flat in many instances, and the film’s attempts to balance the comedic and action elements don’t quite work. The special effects are impressive for their time, but they don’t make up for the film’s other shortcomings.

Despite these flaws, “Howard the Duck” has its redeeming qualities. Lea Thompson gives a strong performance as Beverly, and the film’s 80s nostalgia factor is charming. Fans of the original comics may appreciate seeing Howard on the big screen, and there are a few standout moments that are genuinely enjoyable.

Overall, “Howard the Duck” is a film that’s best enjoyed for its campy, B-movie charm. It’s not a great film by any means, but it has its moments and remains a cult classic for a reason.