Willow (1988)

 

Genre: Fantasy/ Adventure

Time: 2h

Director: Ron Howard

Quick Summary: A young farmer is chosen to undertake a perilous journey in order to protect a special baby from an evil queen.

I have two brain cells left and its these guys

Have you ever heard the term 80's fantasy? Well, this is the ultimate 80's Fantasy and I adore it to pieces. This is also a childhood classic of mine, even if it terrified me because honestly, it's incredibly dark and scary at times. Everything you could want out of a fantasy film this has. A wondrous journey, glorious swordfights, screeching monsters and crossdressing men. 

Jokes aside, this is pure fantasy. Some of the effects are dated due to the age, but honestly, that doesn't distract from how good the story is in this. Even though this is two hours long it doesn't feel that, and I wish I could have more time with it, as you get completely sucked into the world this all unfolds in. The worldbuilding is incredible but not overbearing so it's easy to follow and keep the story engaging. Honestly, this film gets really emotional at times too. But as a personal taste, I didn't really enjoy the romance plot in this, It just felt unneeded for the story they were trying to tell. 

Val Kilmer and Warwick Davis are so fun to watch together. They constantly butt heads and Warwick being someone with dwarfism led to some funny moments where he would just get launched into places accidentally. Their interactions were brilliant, Warwick being the more level-headed caregiver and Val being the headstrong impulsive warrior. Joanne Whalley, I'll admit I wasn't overly keen on as I found her kind of dull and only there to be a love interest/something to forward the plot along. The two Brownies on the other hand, perfectly hilarious duo. They are just so funny. Really they don't interact with the main guys too much and talk between themselves or are reacting to what's happening around them, but boy are they great. 

The story is very easy to follow and I don't really have any complaints about the pacing, though it was a bit hectic at times, it just made the scenes more fun to watch. In the beginning, there is a lot of world-building and admittedly a bit slow (which I don't mind), so it can be hard to get into, but once you're past that you'll be hooked. It is full of fantasy elements and creatures. You see fights against trolls and hydras, as well as magic duels and all-out battles. Though this is where the film is a little dated, I did find the final fight to be very silly due to the special effects and the fact it's two old ladies basically throwing hands. 

If you loved 80's Fantasy you are looking in the right place. A wonderful journey, a heartwarming story, and just a great time. 

9/10

"Willow: What are you doing?

Madmartigan: I found some blackroot. She loves it.

Willow: Blackroot? I'm the father of two children, and you never, ever give a baby blackroot.

Madmartigan: Well my mother raised us on it. It's good for you! It put's hair on your chest, right Sticks?

Willow: Her name is not Sticks! She's Elora Danan, the future empress of Tir Asleen and the last thing she's gonna want is a hairy chest!"

"Sorsha: What are you looking at?

Madmartigan: Your leg. I'd like to break it."

"Madmartigan: What the hell happened up there?

Willow: You started spouting poetry. "I love you Sorsha! I worship you Sorsha!" You almost got us killed!

Madmartigan: "I love you Sorsha?" I don't love her, she kicked me in the face! I hate her... Don't I?"