Howard: Sons de um Gênio

Uplifting yet ultimately bittersweet; "Howard" does a good job of telling a story about an everyday man who's songs end up being timeless.

In this documentary, discover the world of songwriter Howard Ashman from his Broadway days to Disney films and his untimely death.

This film put in perspective for me who Ashman really was prior to his days at Disney. A hard-working man with a dream and that dream come true but ended all too quickly. An overall engrossing documentary that everyone will enjoy, especially Disney lovers. To see how passionate Ashman was while writing these timeless songs is inspiring. A little inspiration is what we need these days. Stream this film on Disney+.

Follow @snobmedia for more reviews!

This is a really beautiful documentary about a very special, beautiful person. If you love Disney, you need to watch this.

I was lucky enough to see HOWARD at the Tribeca Film Festival, and the audience went crazy for it. Directed by acclaimed producer Don Hahn (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King), this documentary showcases the life of Howard Ashman, whose songs have fundamentally changed Hollywood animation and continue to influence storytelling today.

Howard's life was cut short by the AIDS virus, and the documentary serves to honor his life and legacy. Hahn extensively interviews nearly everyone who ever crossed paths with Howard, and helps to shine a light on his musical genius. They go into a TON of detail, looking at Howard's childhood, hopes and dreams, fears, and, of course, his professional achievements (Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, etc) at every point in his life.

For anyone who enjoys storytellers, musicals, Disney, or movies in general, I would highly, highly recommend this film. In HOWARD, Don Hahn made the ultimate tribute to a close friend: he has given us a glimpse inside the mind of a genius who went too soon.

It doesn't do much that you haven't already seen in many other documentaries, so I can't really say it's amazing... but it is very solid, polished, and well-made, and comprehensive without feeling over-long. It's basically the definition of a 7/10 documentary, but in my eyes that's a good two points above average, so I can't complain too much.

As a document of the life of somebody who has passed, it is notably respectful and not too critical, and I guess in this case, maybe he was a truly good guy, and there wasn't too much that was bad to say. Maybe there was more that could be said, but in respect for the dead, it wasn't- but that's pure speculation on my part; just something I think about whenever I watch this sort of documentary about someone who was loved and died young.

I was pleasantly surprised that it did cover his homosexuality, as well as briefly touching on the fact that he was worried about Disney finding out. I was concerned this would be 100% glossed over or at the very least barely covered, given that this is produced by the notoriously clean cut Disney. Also they make Jeffrey Katzenberg look like a bit of a buffoon at a couple of points, which was also surprising.

It likely won't blow anybody away, but if you want a good look at the story of one of Disney's most beloved creators- a man who largely helped define the Disney's Renaissance, allowing it to become a relevant entertainment juggernaut once again- then you can't go wrong with this. And at a brisk 90-something minutes, it moves pretty quickly too. Disney+ adding more stuff like this is definitely something that will keep me invested in the streaming service as a whole.

Howard Ashman, was so very talented and amazing. This is a wonderful documentary on his life and go into GREAT details!