Melvin and Howard
Performance & Direction: Melvin and Howard Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Melvin and Howard (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Melvin and Howard features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Le Mat . Supported by the likes of Mary Steenburgen and Jason Robards , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Melvin and Howard
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, Melvin and Howard is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Jonathan Demme. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Paul Le Mat.
Ending Explained: Melvin and Howard
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jonathan Demme, Melvin and Howard concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Paul Le Mat, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Melvin and Howard reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Melvin and Howard?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Paul Le Mat or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Melvin and Howard
All Cast & Crew →






Melvin and Howard Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about Melvin and Howard age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Melvin and Howard is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Melvin and Howard is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melvin and Howard worth watching?
Melvin and Howard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Melvin and Howard parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Melvin and Howard identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Melvin and Howard?
The total duration of Melvin and Howard is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Melvin and Howard
How Melvin and Howard Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Melvin and Howard
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.










