Howard the Duck

Main Plot

Howard the Duck follows the story of an anthropomorphic duck who is accidentally transported from his home planet to Earth. Stranded in Cleveland, Howard struggles to adapt to human society while trying to find a way back to his own world. He encounters a struggling rock band and befriends a young woman named Beverly, who helps him navigate the challenges of being an outsider. As Howard attempts to return home, he becomes embroiled in a series of misadventures, including a confrontation with an evil force that threatens both Earth and his home planet. Throughout the film, Howard's witty personality and unique perspective on life provide comedic moments, while the overarching narrative explores themes of acceptance and the search for belonging in an unfamiliar world.

Characters

• Lea Thompson plays Beverly Switzler, a struggling musician who befriends the protagonist and helps him navigate Earth while battling an evil force threatening their world.
• Jeffrey Jones plays Dr. Walter Jenning, a scientist who becomes possessed by the Dark Overlord, the main antagonist threatening the protagonist and Earth.
• Tim Robbins plays Phil Blumburtt, a lab assistant who helps the protagonist and friends uncover the truth about the alien's arrival and aids in their efforts to return him home.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Howard the Duck, the climax unfolds as Howard confronts the Dark Overlord, a powerful alien entity that has taken over the body of a human scientist. The conflict escalates when the Dark Overlord threatens to unleash chaos on Earth. Howard, with the help of his friends, devises a plan to thwart the Overlord's intentions. In a dramatic showdown, Howard uses a laser cannon to weaken the Overlord, ultimately causing it to revert to its original form. This pivotal moment resolves the main conflict, as the Overlord is defeated and sent back to its own dimension, restoring peace. Howard's bravery and quick thinking highlight his growth throughout the film, showcasing his transition from an outsider to a hero. The conclusion also ties back to the film's themes of acceptance and belonging. Howard, after saving the day, realizes that while he may not fit in on Earth, he has found companionship and purpose among his friends. The film ends on a note of ambiguity regarding Howard's future, leaving viewers to ponder his place in the world, but ultimately affirming his resilience and ability to adapt.