Duck

Painfully bad writing, not even rendered bearable by Philip Baker Hall and the delightful Amy Hill.

There's no consistency to the world or reality to the characters, who all exist as unmotivated puppets of the writer/director's trite imagination. Scenes begin randomly, go nowhere and end for no reason, other than convenience; any interesting proposition (a partnership, a duck at a 12-step meeting) is quickly quashed by denials trained out of a good writer in Improv 101.

The whole thing feels like a bad college play, in which street people are the wisest of us all. Feh. Rent "Harry & Tonto" instead.

Philip Baker Hall stars alongside a duck named Joe is this very cool, truly independent film about a man who has lost everything and given up hope, when he meets, and adopts a baby duck. Together they search Los Angeles for water and meaning.

This is a small film, with a big heart. There are wonderful cameo appearances by Amy Hill, Bill Cobbs, French Stewart and more. Philip Baker Hall is fabulous. The duck is great too! It is a simple story and not for everyone, but well worth a viewing if you enjoy real independently made, thoughtful films. If you like The Straight Story, Hard Eight, Cassavetes films, etc. you will enjoy this one.

As fairly clear from the reviews already written, either you'll love this film or hate, and that will depend on how misanthropic you are. Be warned, this is not a cute animal movie either.

This is the story of a man who bounds with a duck, both of which have been discarded by society. Through their travels within the greater Los Angeles area, they experience for the most part the more negative aspects of humanity and finding redemption and purpose by saving and befriending his avian cohort.

I liked the film overall, but I'm a pretty easy critic as long as the film succeeds in its primary function: to entertain. The story meandered a bit, but stayed interesting enough to keep me hooked. The relationship between the man and the duck seemed genuine to me. The social commentary in this film is tough and biting, and probably a little heavy-handed. As I said earlier, the commentary is the deciding factor on whether you'll like this film.

Philip Baker Hall lends his calm demeanor perfectly to a low-key tale of a man who has lost hope, until his life is given a little meaning by a duck. This movie is all about a performance that is believable and endearing. Rarely has a film been so perfectly cast. If you enjoy the likes of "The Straight Story", or "The Station Agent", then you will probably enjoy "Duck". This is not a "message" movie as some other reviewers have suggested. If you are trying to find hidden political meaning that grinds on you, then it's easy to find fault. Enjoy it for what it is, a charming performance by a charming actor. Recommended. - MERK

Philip Baker Halls best work in my opinion, a strange tale of man's relationship with a duck that has spilt the reviews quite dramatically. It's not for everyone but please don't be put off if you get a chance to watch this charming story, do it, you never know you may be missing a real treat..... remember the duck doesn't do tricks...he's just a duck and that's enough!