42: Listener's Choice: Howard The Duck (w/ Billy Kirkwood)

Episode 42 sees Andy and Mitch release their long-gestating LISTENER'S CHOICE episode. As for the guest? Well it's a returning guest! In fact, it's the first guest that ever appeared on the show, way back in Episode 2! He is the voice of Insane Championship Wrestling, a radio host, panto star and, crucially, award winning comedian... It's Billy Kirkwood! 

The chosen film? Howard The Duck! A film chosen by listener Lauren McIntyre!

In her defence, Lauren said: 

"There is only one film that I need to suggest you consider... Willard Huyck's 1986 science fiction extravaganza Howard the Duck! 

"Why the fuck would we do that?!" you might ask. Well first off, it's mental. A really horrible looking space duck gets sucked out of his living room (while he's reading an issue of Play Duck) and transported to Earth, where he meets wannabee rock star Beverly. Together they manage to save the Earth from intergalactic demons. What's not to like? 

Ok, the tone of the film is all over the shop, the anthropomorphic duck looks fucking horrible (what design ideas got rejected if that's what they chose to use??) and the relationship between Howard and Beverly is pretty weird to say the least. The film was a massive flop on its release but I actually don't think it deserves all the negativity. It's entertaining, the special effects look decent for the films age (a la Ghostbusters, early CG effects mixed with animatronics), and I've certainly seen worse from George Lucas, who famously produced the film. The plot is throwaway, take-your-brain-out fun. And Jeffrey Jones is hilarious as the possessed Dr Jenning, and I actually love the space demons. I'd never argue that this is the best film in the world, but it's certainly not as bad as everyone makes out. . Plus it's arguably part of the Marvel franchise, as Howard is a Marvel character (and i think was in Guardians of the Galaxy?). 

So, that's my suggestion. If I was on the podcast, this is what I'd choose." 

This one will be a slog. Its a famously reviled film but is the hate deserved? FIND OUT INSIDE!

The synopsis is as follows: 

Howard the Duck is suddenly beamed from Duckworld, a planet of intelligent ducks with arms and legs, to Earth, where he lands in Cleveland. There he saves rocker Beverly from thugs and forms a friendship with her. She introduces him to Phil, who works at a lab with scientist Dr. Jenning. When the doctor attempts to return Howard to his world, Jenning instead transfers an evil spirit into his own body.

Please note that this podcast contains strong language and EXTREMELY strong Scottish accents. 

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Strong Language & Violent Scenes theme by Mitch Bain.

Edits & Artwork by Andy Stewart

Theme from Howard The Duck used with love.

 

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