Willow Reviews

Now I don't think Willow is the best fantasy film ever made(a three way-toss up between Pan's Labyrinth, Edward Scissorhands and The NeverEnding Story) nor is it the worst(Dungeons & Dragons). It does have problems, but I thought it was entertaining.

My first problem is Warwick Davis, now his title character is a very charming and likable character, but Davis's performance is somewhat uneven. At first it is uncomfortable and bland, then as the film progressed he got better as we got to know the character better. Another problem is that the special effects are a little dated especially the beast with the two heads. My final flaw is that there are one or two scenes in the middle half that felt a little forced.

However, thanks to a quirky, funny and honest script, it is actually entertaining. You may argue that the film is too long, and that the plot is unoriginal and formulaic, but the film does move quickly and a lot happens. The scenery, cinematography and costumes are also really nice to look at, maybe not as stunning as other fantasy films such as the Lord of the Rings movies, NeverEnding Story or Legend(which has one of the most exquisitely rendered forest sets I have ever seen on it) but it at least looks nice. The score by James Horner is also really pleasant though Horner has done better(I still bawl at the main theme for The Land Before Time), the main theme is definitely memorable and is surprisingly not generic. The direction from Ron Howard is good, and the acting is decent as they bring alive somewhat interesting characters. Davis is uneven as I have said already, but Joanne Whalley is alluring as Sorscha, while Val Kilmer does really well in a flashier and darker role with some good lines. Rool and Franjean are the funniest characters, and it is a delight to see Billy Barty again. However, Jean Marsh steals the show as Queen Bavmorda, her performance is the epitome of sheer evil.

Overall, flawed but decent fantasy film with some interesting elements. 7/10 Bethany Cox

80's fantasy, there really is nothing that compares to it and this flick is a fine example of it, every aspect of it just comes across as grand, it has all you could ever ask for in a fantasy movie, mythical creatures, a likable hero, magic, an evil villainess, and wonderfully whimsical worlds and environments. Warwick Davis shines in the role and the creatures and SFX are all top notch, kudos especially to the team behind it all and also to director Ron Howard, in addition to this there are a lot of scenes I love about this. Including the infamous 'you're all pigs' sequence, yes I like a scene where people get turned into pigs...don't kinkshame or witch-hunt me for liking an animal transformation scene.

There wasn't a truly successful sword and sorcery film until Peter Jackson got into the act, and despite a liberal helping of trolls, brownies, dragons (bearing a bit of an unfortunate resemblance to a two-headed version of the Penosaurus from Flesh Gordon) and fairies, Willow certainly didn't break the run. Rather than going the Conan route, producer George Lucas adheres to the Star Wars formula in the form of Pat Roach's Darth Vader clone, the skull-masked General Kael, Val Kilmer's Han Solo-esque hero, Joanne Whalley's headstrong princess and Patricia Hayes' Obi-Wan Kenobi figure, among numerous other visual and narrative touches, with magic standing in for the Force as the power that holds the universe together and helps our diminutive hero triumph.

Even if Willow isn't as much fun as you would like it to be, it holds up surprisingly well with age. Kilmer's no Harrison Ford (and his ex-missus is never at her best when acting with an American accent for that matter) and this is no Star Wars, but if you don't expect too much it's a nice enough fantasy adventure with some magical effects (although, coming from a lowpoint in ILM's output, there are a few too many matte lines in places) and a few (intentionally) funny moments en route to a terrific last half-hour.

The major liability is director Ron Howard, who makes 500 extras look like five at one point and could handle the action better, although he certainly fares better than Peter Yates and Krull, which really pushed an audience's best wishes to the limit. Although Howard doesn't do much with the Scope frame, it's certainly a better film in widescreen than panned-and-scanned on TV, and it boasts one of James Horner's very best scores (albeit one that seems heavily influenced by Bruce Smeaton's score for Iceman). There's also a decent extras package as well - audio commentary by Warwick Davis; featurettes Willow - Making of an Adventure and Morf to Morphing - The Dawn of Digital Filmmaking; stills gallery; 8 TV spots; 2 teaser trailers and full theatrical trailer.

This movie is definitely one of my childhood favorites. Indeed, if I remember it correctly, I even saw this flick in the theater when I was a kid and I really loved it back then. So, it was with great pleasure that I re-watched it recently with my step-son. Eventually, even though it is now more than 20 years old, in my opinion, it still holds up pretty good and it remains a really enjoyable fantasy feature and it is definitely one of the best in this genre. Of course, many people would criticize George Lucas on the fact that it was way too similar to The Lord of the Rings but, like Tarantino, Lucas is known to pick up stuff from various movies and other sources and put them in his own features and that's fine with me. I have to admit it, as a grown-up, the whole thing did look pretty cheesy and I think this flick is even more enjoyable when you are a kid but it remains in my opinion a very enjoyable and sometimes rather funny adventure. To conclude, I think it is a pretty good fantasy feature and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.

Being overshadowed by Lucas' most well known masterpieces (Star Wars Saga), Willow isn't as popular. This doesn't matter, due to the cult following this epic-fantasy entails. I can see why it has a following and I'm a part of it hahaha. Fantasies are very enjoyable and they're either a 'hit' or a 'miss'. There is no miss my any means in this film.

The story involves dwarves, witches, sorcery and strange, bizarre creatures. The make up is well done and goes unrecognized. Willow, a dwarf, is a common farmer/gardener like most of the village. He strives to be a great sorcerer/wizard among he village. Little does he know, that in between his everyday life, he's appointed a peculiar task. I won't say what it is, but this carries on the plot and he ventures off to meet some intriguing lovable characters and some ya can't stand. The other main character is Madmartigan. He's played by Val Kilmer and it's a laugh riot. Kilmer kills and no-one else could do the role as well as him. The other actors..

are great choices for their characters as well.

The tale is filled with humor, wonder and a great plot. Sure the CGI is cheesy and not brilliant by any means, but that's what makes it likable. To make up for it, the puppets and costumes are quiet wicked! Seemingly appropriate for kids, this film is very dark and I don't recommend it for younger viewers. For anyone else, it's very enjoyable and has hilarious memorable lines. My favorite is "Outta the way Peck!"..you'll see why.

Rating: 9.1/10

''Magic is the bloodstream of the universe. Forget all you know, or think you know. All that you require is your intuition.''

Willow, a small farmer/apprentice magician, meets Madmartigan, a great swordsman, and together they journey through a war-torn land of magic and monsters, to save a baby princess from death at the hands of an evil queen.

Val Kilmer: Madmartigan

If you want a film which invokes memories of childhood, the late 80s, and magical fantastical escapism on a personal level, then Willow is one I remember quite easily. Ron Howard directs a piece which takes lengths in equal measure to charm and tantalise in a way that's special, yet blends a story by George Lucas with a charismatic Screenplay from Bob Dolman. The script and characters speak for themselves, with all that Willow equals, the charm and likeability lies with imaginative material.



Willow may be the loveliest film to ever be conceived by Director Ron Howard, because it has characters and creatures we can all relate to and love, even on the hundredth viewing.
The cast which was assembled were pretty fresh and unknown back in 1988, Willow equals memorable characters galore thanks to some iconic ways it divulges.
Who can forget a young unknown Val Kilmer as Madmartigan? The loveable warrior hero whom falls for Joanne Whalley's beautiful yet conflicted Sorsha, daughter of the evil Queen. Warwick Davis as Willow Ufgood plays the unlikeliest of heroes, in a decade pre-ring era, putting Warwick first for playing some varied characters, Willow joins the ranks. Jean Marsh playing the main villain excels as Queen Bavmorda, whom actually makes evil look so good. She embodies the part thus being a character whom you
love to hate.
Kevin Pollak and Rick Overton add humour and comedy with the duo, Rool and Franjean.

''I am the greatest swordsman that ever lived. Say, um, can I have some of that water?''

The magical quality Willow exudes doesn't just come from it's wondrous characters, magical creatures, fantasy bonified locations...But also from it's score and music from James Horner. The music and sounds compliment the Cinematography by Adrian Biddle in everyway. It's pragmatically awesome and magnificent reminiscent of a marriage and union between lovers.
Filmed in UK, Wales, and New Zealand it makes the most of showing beauty in it's humble little way. When we have a chase scene we feel the vibe and excitement through the turbulent music and luscious environments used.
In fact, Willow makes you feel the romance, when Sorsha and Madmartigan share a flicker of love, it doesn't just melt their hearts, it melts ours too.
When Willow is sliding down a snowy mountain, we are exhilarated, similarly to the fight involving a monster birthed from a watery moat.

Overall, Willow may not be regarded as a perfect story or film but it's simplicity and fun nature regarding escapism, seems perfect to me.
Nature, fantasy and a simple story of good and evil is all that is needed to be known prior to watching Willow. Over-complicating a mirrored parody isn't always a case for prioritising necessity, when in fact the magic comes truly from the experience and enjoyment the adventure brings with it's magical journey, it's romantic entanglement, and fantastical nature.
A true must for imaginative fantasy fans whom love escapism and art brought to life, in their films. Willow satisfies fans and garners new ones whom experience it's simple magic.

''All creatures of good heart need your help, Willow. The choice is yours.''

by Dane Youssef


This one wasn't much when it first came out. The budget was extravagant and the box-office returns just barely covered the big fat price tag. And as measly as a movie as this was for it's day on it's own merits, it's dwarfed even further by the immortal "Lord Of The Rings" saga.


"Willow" is the film the impish Warwick Davis is renown for his participation in the never-ending Horror-movie stories, the "Leprechaun" movies.


This was his first lead role and he brings a likeable and earnest charisma to the role instead of just trying to be little and cute like so many child performers and other midget actors. Thankfully, he proves himself as to be more than just a cheap gimmick like so many other "bit-players." He allows himself to really give a true performance and the film itself doesn't go for the cheapest of shots with any of the height of it's little people.


As a filmmaker, George Lucas is and has always been a homage-payer. He's one of those filmmakers who always tries to re-make those old films he loved during his own adolescence. With space operas: "Star Wars," With Matinee Adventure flicks: "Indiana Jones," With futuristic sci-fi adventures, "THX 1138."


And now with "Willow," he attempts to do the same for the sword-and-sorcery genre.


Notice I use the word "attempts."


The whole universe is derived from the whole medieval sword-and-sorcery genre. And it's a full bar and buffet smorgasbord here: We've got "Lord Of The Rings," "The Story of Moses," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," "Sleeping Beauty" and "Gulliver's Travels" just to name a few.


Val Kilmer is pound-for-pound one of the great heavyweight champion actors from here to Timbaktu. Perhaps even Pluto. But he even he and the rest of this considerable cast can't make it's movie as special and magical as it's title character is supposed to be.


The 20th century and the 21st saw few better thespians. He truly delivered an Oscar for his re-birth as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors."


Here, anyone could have done the same job he does. It's his most unremarkable performance to date. They didn't need the great Kilmer for this one.


Any stock actor with a Screen Actors Guild card or with one year of high school drama class experience could have done as good a job.


Jean Marsh does a good job as Queen Bavmorda, but just about any random British actress on the planet could have done the same and gotten the same results.


Sadly, this one just stands toe-to-toe with the He-Man "Master Of The Universe" movie from 1987.


Even though Ron Howard Opie Cunningham was at the helm for this one, just about any hack with access to a tripod (that tilts low) could have done the same and gotten the same results.


The real problem with "Willow" is that it's totally unremarkable. It's about a likeable little guy with a big heart for his family. He has a magical gift and uses it to make a name for himself. He meets a great warrior with a shady record who may find love along the way.


They do battle with a wicked queen who happens to be a powerful witch with a great army, a two-headed dragon, a menacing lieutenant General who wears a mask scarier than his own face, yada yada yada yada. Do you even care?


There are two little like the 3-inch tall people in "Gulliver's Travels" called Brownies named Rool and Franjean with helium voices and ethnic caricatured French accents that would have been considered embarrassing in the '30's. They irritate and confuse, but never amuse. Unlike R2D2 and C3PO or Marcus Brody, they never provoke as much as a smile.


Lucas planned for this to be something of a series saga of films. But since this one barely made any return whatsoever, Lucas wound up scrapping the film "trilogy" and continuing the story in books. Hey, anyone out there ever actually so much as read a copy of the continuing "Willow" story?


With "Star Wars," "THX 1138" and "American Graffiti," Lucas swung for the fence like a dominant male gorilla. He pulled out all stops and then some. This one is on-par with your average episode of a Saturday Morning TV series, even for the day.


With Lucas' legendary "Indiana Jones" saga, we all remember one key gruesome scene in each movie---like the "false grail" scene in "Last Crusade" or the "Ripped Heart" in "The Temple Of Doom." In "Willow," there's a similar sequence inspired by the "Bay Of Pigs" from the Greek tales of "The Iliad and The Odyssey."

Lucas story pretty much recycles the whole outline plot of the "Star Wars" saga (episodes IV, V, and VI). Unfortunately, Lucas and Howard don't really feel like they're trying to have the last word of the genre as they did in many of their earlier efforts.


You can see anything just as good and inspired/thrilling/etc. every Saturday morning on just about any network.


Unlike "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones" or "Cocoon," this is not a product of theirs that defines the genre it's from.


And what is it with the baby Elora Danan? She's so much of the damn plot and yet, all she does really is smile and cry on cue. There are babies in diaper commercials who have characters with more depth.


I like the two-headed dragon. It doesn't look like the traditional fire-breathing dragon. It hardly even looks like a serpent. This one is kind of inspired. As a change of pace, it has more of an ugly look to it with long and furry serpent necks, almost like an ostrich. It's really weird.


Although, it's one of the few inspired touches in this routine medieval epic.


It's a Lucasfilm Ltd. production, so the special effects are (as it goes without saying) in the Oscar nomination territory. Enthralling for the day, some even by today's standards still shine. Lucas has made a bigger name for himself as a innovator of special effects than as a filmmaker.


While it was a defining role for actor Warwick Davis and it employs more midgets and dwarves than any other production (and respectively), for anyone else, "Willow" is never anything special, nor does it attempt to be.


Even for it's day "Willow" was unremarkable. Seriously, how many tales of swords, sorcery, kings, queens, dwarves, dragons and trolls had we seen in movies, TV shows, books, fairy tales and what-have-you before this came along? Yet another case of, "Too little, too late."


Nearly 20 years later, that old axiom proves even more true.


--Still With Love For Lucas and "Opie Cunningham," Dane Youssef



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One of the better fantasy/adventure movies to come out of the 80's. Warwick Davis (who is also the Leprechaun) is the title character who is faced with the task of delivering a prophesied baby to safety so she can bring about the destruction of the evil queen/sorceress.
I always found the Willow character annoying but enjoy the surrounding cast. The tiny Brownies who accompany him cracked me up and I think it's one of my favorite performances by Val Kilmer as well.
Ranks right up there with my other favorites from that era - The Princess Bride and Ladyhawke.