Film/music review: The music of ‘Howard the Duck’ is as endearing as its cult status

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As a gamer with a soft spot for 80s pop culture and a deep appreciation for music that transports me back to my youth, I must say that the soundtrack of “Howard the Duck” is an absolute gem. The film may have been a box office flop upon release, but its music has stood the test of time, becoming a cult classic in its own right.

Before discussing the soundtrack and score, let’s cover some fundamentals: The movie “Howard the Duck,” a beloved 1986 sci-fi comedy, was adapted from Marvel Comics. Directed by Willard Huyck and produced by George Lucas, this film tells the story of Howard, an intelligent duck from another dimension who accidentally lands on Earth. He finds himself in a thrilling adventure, which happens to involve an alien invasion. This incidentally grants him the chance to show off his “Quack Fu” skills.

The narrative sets off on Howard’s planet, a duck-inhabited world similar to Earth called Duckworld. An accidental scientific mishap transports Howard to Cleveland, Ohio, where he crosses paths with Beverly Switzler, the frontwoman of a struggling rock band (portrayed by Lea Thompson). In this city, they join forces with eccentric scientist Phil Blumburtt (Tim Robbins) in an effort to find a way back home for Howard. However, matters become complicated when Dr. Walter Jenning (Jeffrey Jones) is taken over by a malevolent alien force known as the “Dark Overlord,” an entity bent on subjugating Earth.

Regardless of its captivating idea and comic book foundation, the movie was both panned by critics and flopped commercially upon debut, but has since developed a devoted fanbase for its offbeat humor, visual effects, and nostalgic allure – much like Heavy Metal. Yet, the music in Howard the Duck played a substantial role in the film, helping to create its eccentric 80s ambiance and adding to its lasting appeal. Here’s an in-depth examination of the soundtrack and score.

John Barry, a well-known film composer who worked on 11 James Bond movies and arranged the original “James Bond Theme,” composed the original score for the movie “Howard the Duck.” This orchestral score combines elements of adventure, whimsy, and suspense to mirror the film’s unique blend of comedy and action. Although Barry has an impressive resume, his score didn’t receive universal acclaim; some critics thought it clashed with the movie’s overall tone.

Soundtrack of Howard the Duck

In a nod to the ’80s, the soundtrack of Howard the Duck stands out due to its fusion of rock and pop tunes. Highlights include tracks from Thomas Dolby, the artist renowned for his hit “She Blinded Me with Science.” If you’re unfamiliar with that song, it’s safe to say you missed a significant part of the ’80s music scene.

In close collaboration, Dolby assisted Lea Thompson in delivering the vocal performances for the fictitious band, Cherry Bomb, in the series, Beverly. This is a brief account of their work together:

Dolby’s input significantly contributed to the film’s distinctive ’80s ambiance, an element that die-hard fans are particularly enthused about. The Cherry Bomb tunes stand out as a key attraction, and it appears likely that the title and visual style were inspired by this band and song.

The theme song for the movie “Howard the Duck” is a lively, humorous tribute to its main character. It’s a song specifically designed to give a 1980s style overdose to the “Dark Overlord of the Universe.” However, there are other tracks like “Don’t Turn Away” and “It Don’t Come Cheap,” which also contribute to the film’s rock-inspired soundtrack (although they may not be the best songs ever made).

Reception of the music, and legacy of the film

Despite the movie receiving negative reviews from many, its music does boast a small yet devoted fanbase, appreciating its nostalgic allure and connection to Dolby. Whether it’s substantial enough to be labeled a “cult following” is debatable, but it certainly resonates with some who would happily spin its soundtrack with a grin. That carries significance.

It’s widely understood that Lea Thompson indeed sang in the songs, and she appears to have a favorable outlook towards the movie. She confessed to experiencing a sort of “neck strain” from being part of the most adored film of the year and then the most criticized one. However, she also mentioned that it provided her with a distinct view of Hollywood, stating that it was simple to mock it. This is why she frequently refers to her fans of the movie “Howard the Duck” as her favorite, because they remained loyal despite the criticism, not just jumping on the bandwagon.

As a gamer, I might rephrase it like this: It’s a bit of an exaggeration to say that the movie “Destroyed Marvel” and “Ruined a Back to the Future Icon,” as some sites claimed. Not everyone views it as such a catastrophe. Also, laying all the blame for Marvel’s recent struggles on Howard is quite questionable. There are those who actually find it rather entertaining, and that’s important to consider too.

In part, the movie’s success can be attributed to its music. The harmonious fusion of Barry’s symphonic compositions with the rock-influenced soundtrack produced an intriguing contrast. This unconventional blend, much like the film itself, has garnered both criticism and praise, similar to popular franchises such as Ghostbusters, Star Wars, or the divisive fanbase of the LOTR’s hobbits. The soundtrack, featuring a blend of orchestral and rock elements, mirrors the film’s ambitious, albeit uneven, endeavor to merge different genres and styles.

Regardless of its initial popularity, Howard the Duck remains an intriguing artifact of ’80s pop culture. There are several aspects that people may find appealing, such as the casual charm of Lea Thompson. Although it’s not universally adored, this film has a unique appeal for fans who enjoy its quirky humor, cheesy allure, and absence of excessive drama.

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2024-12-06 20:01