As I write this, Willow is just weeks away from getting a sequel in the form of a Disney Plus TV show. I have very fond memories of seeing Willow in the theatre when I was a kid. It was a huge favorite of mine as a child and even to this day, I feel that the movie holds up very well and is a great deal of fun.
How to Download Willow
You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you like fantasy, check out also our review of The Wheel of Time.
The Movie Review
Directed by Ron Howard from a story by George Lucas, Willow is a fantastic fantasy adventure that just screams the 1980s when you watch it. This is truly a product of its time and I see that as both a positive and a negative. I am sure if you watched this as a child, you will love it and have a real fondness for it.
On the flip side of this, despite the fantastic script, engaging characters, and fantasy plot, I can see people watching this these days for the first time feeling it is very dated and wondering what all the fuss is about. However, for those willing to look past the rather dated effects (even though the practical effects still hold up) you will find a truly timeless and wonderful story.
The plot of Willow is something that is burned into my mind. Willow is a dwarf farmer and magician who lives a normal life. Willow’s life is turned upside down when he comes into contact with a very special baby. This is no normal baby; this baby is Elora and she is the one who is prophesized as bringing an end to the evil sorceress called Queen Bavmorda that rules over the land.
After consulting the elders at the village council, the high wizard gives Willow the task of finding a safe home for the baby so that she can grow and fulfill her destiny. Willow is not alone on his journey; he is joined by the swordsman Madmargartigan as well as Fin Raziel who is a sorceress and Franjean and Rule who are the comic relief of the movie. They make for a great crew as they embark on this dangerous mission.
What is making this such a dangerous task is that the evil Queen Bavmorda has her sites set on killing this baby. The Queens daughter and a vile commander from her army are pursuing Willow and his crew and they will stop at nothing to find this baby and stop it from performing the prophecy.
Look, Willow is a movie that I just adore and I do think that many of the sets and the practical effects hold up very well. I am a big fan of Warrick Davis (who is a super cool dude) and Willow to me is his most iconic role. We also get a really standout role by Val Kilmer as Madmargartigan and I think the cast in general is all great in this movie.
I watched this again just a few days ago as I am getting very excited for the Willow Disney Plus TV show and I can hand-on-heart say this original movie holds up very well. If you have seen the trailer for the TV show and think it looks fun, I highly recommend that you check this out as it is one of the best fantasy movies that the 1980s has to offer.
