Rating: 
Summary: An Essential part of any Fantasy Collection
Review: Many claim 'Willow' bears uncanny resemblances to Lord of the Rings and Star Wars (Madmartigan is Han Solo with a sword instead of a gun, and the short, pastorial, innocent Nelwyns are highly reminisent of the Shire-dwelling Hobbits). Though this is true, both Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are good books/movies - thus reason dictates that 'Willow' is too! People of all ages should enjoy this movie, centred on the universal theme that just one person can make a difference, and filled with adventure, romance, comedy, danger and intrigue.
The story is centred around a baby rather than a Ring, and the infant is not to be destroyed, but saved at all costs. The reason is that this child - Elora Danan - is prophesied to bring about the downfall of the tyrannical Queen Bavmorda (played to great effect by Jean Marsh). Through a series of fortunate events, Elora escapes the clutches of the Queen and comes to the Nelwyn village, a small community of tiny woodland folk, and the guardianship of the sorcerer wannabe - Willow Ufgood (played by Warwick Davis in perhaps the best role of his career - for once he's not hidden behind a mask or facial prosthetics!) Because the presence of the baby puts the community at risk, Willow is chosen to take the baby far away, into the care of the Dakini (or human) race. On the way, Willow has (inevitably) many amazing adventures with a series of diverse characters, learning not only of Elora's true destiny, but that even someone as small as he can have an impact on the world.
The story, on the whole, hangs together well, although there is some back-and-forth travelling between the characters, and some logic flaws (ie. there's no way even a magical baby could survive even half the things that Elora does, and Sorsha is accepted without question into the ranks of the 'good guys').
The movie makes up for these faults by presenting a wide range of interesting and well-portrayed characters that fit perfectly into the fanasty genre - no one should be disappointed by the variety, whether it be from the shape-changing enchantress Fin Raziel (Patricia Hayes), to the skeleton-masked Kael (Pat Roach), the etheral faerie Cherlindrea (Maria Holvoe) to the comic relief - the brownies Rool (Kevin Pollack) and Franjean (Rick Overton). Likewise, the scenery and sets are beautiful (Lord of the Rings wasn't the first to discover New Zealand!) and most of the special effects hold up reasonably well against today's technology. Furthermore, the musical score is lovely - both poignant and heroic, and the costumes are colourful but realistic.
Although the love/hate romance between the stars of the movie (Val Kilmer as Madmortigan and Joanne Whalley as Bavmorda's daughter Sorsha) is a nice twist on the typical fairytale treatment, it could of been handled better, especially since the two actors fell in love on set (although they did later divorce...). Oh well, this is only a minor gripe, and by no means ruins the story.
The major dampener is nothing to do with the movie, but with the DVD, as it does not include the vast majority of deleted scenes that were filmed but never shown. If you're interested, they include: scenes that deepen the friendship between Willow and Meegosh, and gives a legitimate reason as to why Meegosh would leave his friend (he breaks his arm when falling down the brownie pit); a run-in with a sea-monster when Willow rows out to Raziel's island; important background information on Sorsha, explaining that her father was the ruler of Tir Asleen and once in love with Raziel until Bavmorda placed him under a love spell before turning him to stone along with the rest of his kingdom; a large battle sequence between Airk and Kael's troops; banter between Kael and a captured Madmortigan; Sorsha calling Willow into her tent to tend for Elora where they discuss Madmortigan; Airk questioning Sorsha's sudden change from evil to good; and Sorsha actually *using* the quiver of arrows she carries around on her back for the entire movie.
These deleted scenes could have made up a substantial part of the DVD and heightened it's collectibility considerably. Perhaps before buying this DVD we should wait a bit longer and see if they are released on another edition in the future.
If you like the Willow movie and are interested in 'what happens next' - try tracking down the trilogy of books that are set after the events in 'Willow' - Shadow Moon, Shadow Dawn and Shadow Star.
Rating: 
Summary: Do you think you'll like "Willow"? I'm sure you will!
Review: What do you get when you have George Lucas AND Ron Howard, both famous for their work in the movie-making industry, producing and directing this movie? You've got it, a fantastic, rollicking fantasy-adventure!The evil Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) has for years been searching for the baby who, according to an ancient prophecy, will end her reign of terror. Taking all the pregnant women, she searches each and every baby when one day, the sacred girl is born. But before Bavmorda could kill her, a faithful midwife takes the child away from the castle. When she realizes she is being pursued, she lets the baby drift away on a river. The abandoned girl is found by a Nelwyn named Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis). But Willow quickly finds out that the baby is being tracked down Bavmorda's armies, including her daughter Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) and General Kael (Pat Roach). Willow sets out to the crossroads to give the baby back to the Daikini, or the big humans. He finds out though through the magical Cherlindrea (Maria Holvoe) about the baby, Elora Danan (played by both Ruth and Kate Greenfield) and the prophecy about her. Willow, with the companionship of swordsman and warrior Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and Brownies Rool and Franjean (Kevin Pollak & Rick Overton), they go to seek help from sorceress Fin Raziel (Patricia Hayes). A totally charming movie, "Willow" will be one of my favorite movies to watch for a long time. Though people must be warned that though it is rated PG, it's more like PG-13 in some areas and I strongly suggest that adults watch before their children do. Everything is wonderful about the movie, from the directing, the acting by the whole cast, an enchanting plot, pretty good special effects, and plenty of humor and action. There's humor that is witty, sarcastic, and laugh-out-loud funny. Val Kilmer as Madmartigan and the two Brownies gets plenty of great lines. Yet at the same time the movie is pretty serious with all of the battles against good and evil, and Val Kilmer is a great swash-buckling swordfighter and handles the sword pretty well. And this DVD isn't called "Special Edition" for no reason. Though it may not have as many special features as many recent movie special editions, "Willow" will satisfy you. 1) Commentary by Warwick Davis, 2) Willow: Making of an Adventure Featurette, 3) Featurette: Morf to Morphing, 4) Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery, 5) Theatrical Teasers and Trailers, 6) 8 TV Spots, and a few more. One thing you must watch is the 'Making of an Adventure Featurette'. Looking at an older Ron Howard with his mustache certainly was a little shock to me after seeing him play Opie on the "Andy Griffith Show" and acting in "Happy Days". One part that was fun about it is when they were talking about the love scenes in the movie. Val Kilmer admits that whenever he had to kiss Joanne Whalley, afterwards he always forgot his lines and no matter how many times they had to do it, he never got it right. They were married after making the movie but unfortunately, they were divorced later on. So if you are thinking about getting "Willow", I strongly recommend that you watch it! Enjoyable for the whole family, if your children are old enough to handle some parts of the film. And if you have a chance to check out the quotes and trivia page on Amazon, I suggest you do because you can find out all sorts of things.
Rating: 
Summary: Some of fantasy at its worst.
Review: By far one of the worst big-studio fantasy films ever made, Willow tells the gag-inducing story of the titular dwarf (Warwick Davis) who must protect a baby from the evil Queen Bavmorda, who fears the infant child may bring about the end of her reign according to an ancient prophecy. Willow comes in possession of the child by accident and goes on a quest to return the baby to her people, ignorant to the dangers of such an act. Val Kilmer stars as Madmartigan, a skilled warrior who's saved by Willow (don't ask) and eventually joins his adventure. For obvious demographic purposes, Madmartigan (in)conveniently falls in love with the lovely Sorsha (Joanne Whalley), thanks to the `magic' of the Brownies, little miniature cavemen-looking dudes with French accents. Yep, you read that right. Willow presents a very typical tale for the genre, but still with the potential to deliver loads of fun, and screws it up with cringe-inducing humor, horrible special effects, poor pacing, and dull action sequences. George Lucas decided that he'd embrace all the clichés of the genre (quest to save evil from taking over the land, sword-swinging hero, sword-clashing battles, ugly monsters, etc.), which wouldn't be a problem if director Ron Howard injected the film with any sense of energy, imagination, or even comic timing. But his work is a simple point-and-shoot affair, bland direction that accompanies a silly script accentuated by some painful performances and dialogue. Warwick Davis' performance is borderline awful in its utterly sickening and often unconvining sincerity. He simply doesn't have the acting chops for the lead. Faring only somewhat better is Val Kilmer, who does get in a few funny moments and looks appropriate for the part, but is really nothing more than a bland hunky hero. As his love interest, Joanne Whalley is charmless, resulting in one of the more perfunctory romances I've seen in recent memory. Kevin Pollak also offers support as one of the Brownies. This is easily his most obnoxious and grating performance to date (and one I'm sure he's embarrassed of these days). Even the villains do little to energize the picture. Jean Marsh aspires to little more than playing a typical evil queen, and despite wearing a skull mask, Pat Roach's General Kael is ultimately pretty wimpy for such a `scary-looking' guy. And what's with naming the villains after respected film critics? With Kael and the two-headed Eborsisk, this clearly shows a lack of taste on Lucas' part, who probably didn't take well to Pauline Kael's general dislike for his Star Wars trilogy. Ron Howard's never been much of an action director, so it's no surprise there's no flair or energy to the battle sequences, which are too small in scope and far too tame and bloodless for a sword-and-sorcery adventure. It seems in true Lucas fashion, this one's targeted straight to the kids, like almost everything else he's done (the Indiana Jones trilogy excepted, thanks perhaps to Spielberg). James Horner's giddily cheesy score might have worked as a fun backup to a more enjoyably silly film, but it just adds to the subpar quality here. The special effects are pretty bad, even by 1988 standards, there's tons of obvious blue-screen, and the sets are stock-fantasy standard. You know that movie cliché, where two lovers who haven't seen each other in a long time reunite by running toward each other with arms wide open; yep, Willow actually ends the movie on such a cheesy note, an apt finish for a pretty awful movie. Somehow, Willow is still neither George Lucas nor Ron Howard's worst film to date.
Rating:
Summary: Great Fantasy movie
Review: OK, this isn't a work of cinema art - big deal! This is a fun and adventurous fantasy movie that is a rollicking bit of fun. Do you like great adventure? Swords and Sorcery? Romance? Comedy? Well, this is a great mix of all of the above. Does it have bad acting? Heck no! For a all-inclusive, family-friendly movie, this one really hits the target. The little, cowardly goofs have French accents - what a big surprise. No, this is a great movie, one that's sure to please every Fantasy fan. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Sword and Sorcery Epic
Review: An ancient prophecy tells of a sacred child that will bring an end to the reign of the evil Queen Bavmorda(Jean Marsh). The sacred child is smuggled out of the castle and finds her way to Willow Ufgood(Warwick Davis). He leaves his village on a quest to return the baby but he becomes trapped in the middle of a battle beween good and evil. With the help of Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) Willow must protect the baby from the queen and her daughter Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) and fulfill the prophecy. Willow has received a very nice transfer that is a step up from the old laser disk. It is presented in Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1). There is no edge enhancement and very little grain which is amazing for a picture from 1988. The sound however doesnt make use of the surrounds. Very few times are the rear speakers used. The film is in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. The audio commentary by Warwick Davis is very informative and every fan of the movie should listen to it. I just wish that George Lucas and Ron Howard participated as well. Two great featurettes are included along with several trailers and stills. Unlike most fantasy movies it is suited for all ages. Willow is a movie that I grew up with and today am still very fond of it. This film has it all, action, adventure, comedy and romance. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent fantasy
Review: Finally the enthralling fantasy that is Willow is released on DVD! Now when is the Star Wars trilogy arriving?? Anyway, this is definitely one of my favorite fantasy movies of all time. The movies Legend and Krull are also great, but don't have the enrapturing quality that all of George Lucas's movies seem to have. The movie follows a Nelwyn farmer, Willow, that is dreaming of becoming a sorcerer. Through a matter of fate he becomes the guardian of a baby, the one prophecied to save the world. During the film he meets Val Kilmer's character, who is reluctant but helps Willow nevertheless, and a couple of teeny-tiny rodents that provide the humor in the story. He also finds help where he least expects in the form of a beautiful young lady, that is actually the Queen Bavmorda's daughter. In his journey to save the babe he goes through many seriously risky situations, one that includes a mutated dragon. The plot line is excellent and the dialogue goes from serious to funny without breaking any seams. The plot seems to contain some elements of the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, but it combines them well and creates a movie that stands firmly on its own. Excellent movie recommended for fans of Tolkien, Lucas, and any fantasy adventures. Buy it today, its a great Christmas gift. Now if they would only make movies out of the novel sequels...
Rating:
Summary: An excellent fantasy movie
Review: Willow Ufgood (Played by Warwick Davis) is a nelwyn (little people) farmer who aspires to being a good farmer, a good father, and (if possible) the village sorcerer's next apprentice. However when he finds a daikini (tall people/us) baby, his whole world is turned upside-down. This baby is Elora Danan, a child of prophecy, destined to be the end of the evil witch-queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh), and Bavmorda's army is looking for her. There's a destiny at work here, and Willow must see it through. But along the way he will find help in unexpected places, most unexpectedly in the form of Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), a rogue of rogues and self-proclaimed "greatest swordsman that ever lived." This is a great story of swords and sorcery, good and evil. I thought that the battle scenes were very good, as was the magic. Heck, I even thought that the special effects were good. It's not The Lord of the Rings, but nothing else is. This is an excellent fantasy movie, one that you can sit down and watch with your whole family. It's got something for everyone - action, adventure, magic, romance and comedy. My children (a 13-year-old and a 10-year-old, who are both fans of The Lord of the Rings) both loved this movie, especially the brownies, who have to be seen to be believed. My family and I all highly recommend this movie to you.
Rating:
Summary: Made me a fantasy fan, at least of this one
Review: I've always felt that fantasy is just not my genre. But now and then a film comes along and forces me to reconsider by opinions. Willow is one of those films, an epic by the Lucas film industry.
The plot is that there is an evil queen (of course), wonderfully played by Jean Marsh who needs to find the baby who will end her reign. Pregnant women are imprisoned, and their babies are inspected. But the midwife who delivers the precious and sacred baby spirits her from the castle and sets the child adrift on the river. She is found by Willow, a little person with a big heart, who sets out on a trek to return her to the Daikini, the big humans.
Adventures, dragons, evil, sorcerers, battles, and magic ensue, and it's all accompanied by beautiful scenery (English and Welsh countryside), wonderful acting, and Ron Howard, a great director. Plus, there's Val Kilmer to enjoy, so what's to complain about? Nothing.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie! They should do a Director's Cut!
Review: First of all, I really like this movie.
I think it has a lot going for it with its story and characters and so on.
I was wondering if George Lucas (along with Director Ron Howard) would ever consider going back to this one and redoing some of the effect shots and trim and add things and create a ``DIRECTOR'S CUT'' of this film, sort of like what Lucas did with his original STAR WARS films where he had new effect shots done and added scenes he originally shot but had to cut out for one reason or another.
With more and more Director's Cuts making it on DVD, I think the time would be right to revisit WILLOW and redo the film adding scenes that were shot but had to be disregarded and expand the movie (without having to worry about time limits).
I have read articles on different websites about a number of scenes which were cut originally from WILLOW and felt a couple of them could help the story.
A couple of things I have read about have included scenes where Willow is about to row to the island of Fin Raziel and a boy comes out of the lake warning him to stay away and dives back into the water. After on the island, Willow and Fin Raziel are coming back to shore and are caught in a big storm (presumely caused by the evil Queen Bavmorda). The boy comes back and transforms into a monsterous fish and attacks the boat. Willow has to use one of his magic acorns to stop the monster. Remember as the movie plays now, we never saw what happened to the last magic acorn as it seems Willow only used his second one against Bavmorda. There was another that got cut in the editing process which could have added drama to the fact he used his last one against the evil queen. Another scene I have read about deals with Sorsha's father, the good king of Tir Asleen. I have read things where Sorsha inherited both good and evil tendancies from her parents. Seeing her father held captive in her mother's spell along with all the other `frozen' people of Tir Asleen helps her turn to the good side. I have also read her father was able to communicate with her asking for help from inside his encased prison which contributed to her change of heart. I read there was more to the fight between Bavmorda and Fin Raziel towards the end of the film. There were a number of other cut scenes I have found listed dealing with Kael, Bavmorda, Sorsha, Madmartigan and others, but I picked a couple I thought could add something to a more detailed cut of the movie. I am sure there are more that can be worked out. As Peter Jackson has found out with his ``Lord of the Rings'' films, there is an audience for more detailed cuts of many films. The DVD format has really embraced the notion of director's cut editions. WILLOW was one of the most requested titled to be put in the DVD format and has sold well over the last two years since its DVD release. I think there would definitely be an audience out there who would embrace an more detailed cut of this movie. In an interview with Lucas on the release of the ``Special Edition Star Wars'' films, Lucas said films are never really complete, they end up escaping. He went back to the STAR WARS films to bring them closer to what he wanted. I think the DVD format would allow Howard and Lucas the chance to take another look at this film, correct any mistakes they feel are evident and recut it adding some scenes which help flesh out the story more and maybe trim some others which slow things down. (Just a suggestion, we don't need so many close up shots of the little girl - it is a little distracting.) New scenes could include new special effects shots as well as dialogue looping if necessary. I think Lucas has the technology to take what they have and, with Howard's help, make this movie a true classic for fantasy fans. Since it is likely a sequel will be more and more unlikely, I think Lucas and Howard should go back and really make this movie the best it can be. It would give fans something to enjoy, Howard and Lucas can bring the movie closer to what they wanted and it would make a studio a nice little profit. (Don't forget, WILLOW was one of the most requested titles for the DVD format. Imagine what a new edition could do for sales.) The movie is great and I hope many of the cut scenes I have read about will make it into the movie someday in a special `special edition.'
Rating:
Summary: Is this the best they can do?
Review: I really wish Lucas had made a better movie than this. In fact he did, it was called Star Wars. Look at this movie and see the similarities to Star Wars. Willow is Luke Skywalker. Billy Barty is Obi Wan Kenobi. Val Kilmer is Han Solo. The two little faries are R2D2 and C3PO. And you can obviously see who the Darth Vader character is.
I would have forgiven this if at least the story were watchable. Even when I saw this movie as a kid I found it hard care what happened it any of these characters. I really wanted to like this movie because I am a big fantasy fan. Unfortunately when Hollywood makes a fantasy movie 9 times out of 10 they make it silly beyond belief or so sappy that you wonder why they didn't just make a modern romance movie instead.
If you want to see a real fantasy movie check out any of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Princess Bride, Excalibur or Conan the Barbarian (NOT the Destroyer.)
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