Movie Reviews: Howard the Duck (1986) & Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Our journey through superhero cinema has officially reached the mid-'80s, and this week we're tackling two movies with reputations that certainly precede them: Howard the Duck (1986) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).

🦆 Howard the Duck — George Lucas executive produces Marvel's bizarre big-screen adventure about a sarcastic humanoid duck transported from his home world to Cleveland. What could possibly go wrong? We attempt to make sense of Howard's journey, the strange villains, the even stranger relationships, and a movie that left us questioning just about every creative decision that made it onto the screen.

☢️ Superman IV: The Quest for Peace — Christopher Reeve returns for his final theatrical adventure as the Man of Steel, this time taking on the threat of nuclear weapons—and Lex Luthor's creation, Nuclear Man. We break down the ambitious idea behind the story, the severely reduced budget, infamous effects, bizarre action sequences, and whether there's anything worth saving in the final chapter of the original Superman series.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

🦸‍♂️ Christopher Reeve's Final Superman — Looking back at the end of an era for one of cinema's most iconic superheroes.

✌️ Superman vs. Nuclear Weapons — The serious real-world idea Christopher Reeve wanted the movie to explore...and how the finished film handles it.

💰 When the Budget Disappears — How Superman IV's troubled production becomes painfully obvious on screen.

🦝 Howard vs. Rocket Raccoon — If audiences can love a talking raccoon and a walking tree, could somebody finally make Howard work?

😂 The Best of the Worst — Nuclear Man's powers, questionable dialogue, Howard's trip through Cleveland, Superman's bizarre double date, and plenty of moments that left us completely speechless.

📉 How Low Can the Ratings Go? — We hand out some of the lowest scores in Press Play Action history.

🎥 Plus behind-the-scenes trivia, comic-book connections, box-office history, favorite ridiculous moments, and plenty of debate over one important question: Is this the WORST double feature we've ever reviewed?