Review: 'Howard' Reveals the Life of the Gay Man Behind the Disney Musical Renaissance

He gave the Little Mermaid her voice.

Howard Ashman was like every one of us. He was wildly imaginative and had an insatiable gift for telling stories. He worked very hard and pursued his dreams; when Howard came to New York City he set a series of events in motion that re-ignited a renaissance in musicals, and along with his collaborative partner Alan Menken the pair brought Disney back into the spotlight. Their journey began under the sea, across the deserts of destiny, and facing the bowels of a beast, Howard Ashman emerged a legend.

In the Disney+ documentary, "Howard" premiering this month on the subscriber service, Ashman's extraordinary journey from humble beginnings, to paying his dues, to challenging conventions in musical theater and his success at Disney are all examined with incredible heart and strength. Even as Howard faced the grim realities of living with AIDS, he persevered and gave the world "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin" – the trifecta of films that gave Disney the corner market over the animated film blockbuster.

From his earliest days in Baltimore, the documentary shares stores from Ashman's friends and family giving great insight into his home life, and how he spent afternoons entertaining his younger sister by turning his bedroom into a never-land of wonder. Even as a very young person, he displayed innate talents as a performer and especially a great instinct setting words to music. Howard pursued his artistry, and would soon become a formidable creative in New York City, especially when his Off-Broadway hit "Little Shop of Horrors" brought him into the limelight.

It wouldn't be long before Hollywood came calling, and having worked with songwriter Alan Menken so closely, Ashman turned to his collaborating partner when Disney turned to him to resuscitate its animated film franchises. In the '80s, Disney's animation department had dwindled to a mere shadow of its former self, and Ashman and Menken had been tasked with turning around their fortunes. "The Little Mermaid," with its melodies and lyrical perfection, ushered in a new age for Disney, and Howard Ashman was at the forefront of it all!

As the awards and accolades began to pour in, no one behind-the-scenes or outside of Howard's own intimate circle could have been prepared for the truth: That Howard had been diagnosed HIV+ and would die from AIDS. Even as his health continued to prove an obstacle, Ashman remained dedicated to his art and the results yielded the blockbuster hits "Aladdin" and the Academy� Award-winning "Beauty and the Beast" – undoubtedly among the most beloved films of the modern era.

Howard wouldn't live to receive his next Oscar for "Beauty and the Beast," but the documentary memorializes the moment when his longtime partner Bill Launch received the award on his behalf. Directed by Don Hahn ("Beauty and the Beast") the documentary is an emotional tribute to the man, the artist and his contribution to motion picture. His words and actions, his devotion to his craft, in the face of adversity, makes Howard Ashman one of the most prolific forces behind the Disney magic – he will endure and has inspired unparalleled happiness for generations!

"Howard" is now streaming at Disney+