Howard (film)

Did You Know?

• The film uses audio interviews with speech bubbles indicating who is speaking, rather than talking heads.
• Howard Ashman wrote lyrics for Disney films The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, as well as the stage musical Little Shop of Horrors.
• Ashman died from HIV/AIDS in 1991.

Music

Alan Menken composed the score for the film, with Chris Bacon adapting it. Menken, who had collaborated with Ashman on several projects, became involved after Hahn showed him a reel during the 2017–18 Christmas season; Menken told Hahn he had to score the movie. Hahn initially opposed due to budget constraints but agreed when Menken described the project as his chance to create a musical homage to Ashman. Menken composed the score over the holiday season, and Hahn called it one of Menken's most personal and touching scores. Menken sought a motif expressing his feelings about Ashman, describing the score as having a childlike quality, simplicity, and a sense of anticipation.

Release

Howard made its debut at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival and later earned a nomination for Best Documentary at the 2018 Heartland Film Festival. A limited theatrical release followed on December 18, 2018. The documentary arrived on Disney+ on August 7, 2020. On May 18, 2023, Disney+ revealed plans to remove nearly 60 original titles on May 26 as a cost-cutting measure, with this film among them. The announcement drew strong criticism from Disney fans and the LGBTQ+ community, particularly because it came just before Pride Month and coincided with the same day as the live-action The Little Mermaid remake’s release. The next day, Disney+ confirmed the film would stay on the service.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 94% approval rating based on 47 reviews, with the critical consensus reading, 'Howard serves as a bittersweet tribute to the life and legacy of a brilliant artist whose timeless songs served as the soundtrack for a generation of Disney fans.' On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 76 out of 100 based on 13 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter stated the documentary provides insightful commentary with a large amount of archival footage, calling it a tribute that succeeds in inducing both joy and sorrow.

Melissa Leon of The Daily Beast found the documentary touching, noting it highlights Ashman's personal life and work. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone rated it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it a moving tribute with blunt honesty and rare introspection. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian called the documentary exciting and emotional, saying it immerses the audience in the life of a creative artist. Jennifer Green of Common Sense Media rated it 4 out of 5 stars, praising positive messages and role models of creativity and solidarity.