by Merrianna Mutton

Created on: April 18, 2009   Last Updated: April 20, 2009

"Willow"

Starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Billy Barty, Jean Marsh

Story by George Lucas

Directed by Ron Howard

Your enjoyment of "Willow" depends on what you expect. If you expect modern special effects and more "epic" than the movie can give, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you expect a good old-fashioned tale of adventure, silly fun, and a little bit of magic, settle in with the popcorn.

First, let me point out that this movie was made in the late 80s, and though it's a fantasy movie you can sometimes tell; in the epic sounds of the music, sometimes in the flavor of costumes or hairstyles, and of course in the special effects. However, though those special effects may look cheesy to us today, they were rather cutting edge at the time, and there are only a few places where it may be distracting.

"Willow" is a fantasy film (rated PG) about Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis), a farmer of the diminutive race called the Nelwyn. His children find a human-sized Daikini baby, and it falls upon Willow to take it and travel far from his home, to give it to the first Daikini he finds. However, the first Daikini he finds is Madmartigan (Val Kilmer), who is locked up in a cage.

Soon Willow discovers that the baby is in danger from the evil queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh) and has to make a decision whether or not to help. And so the adventure continues, with a little romance ("Ah, the dust of broken hearts...") and a lot of fun.

Some may scoff and say the fantasy industry is bogged down with too many cliches. That may be true. However, movies are for entertainment, and I find this movie to be entertaining. Just don't take the brownies too seriously.

A note about young children: the move is rated PG for a reason, which I think is mainly scary moments, and violence there are a few battle scenes, a chase scene (with chariots), and scenes in which scary dog-like animals attack a woman, and look for a baby, as well as other scenes which may be frightening to young children. There is also some mild swearing, and a few things children might not understand. Overall, I would agree with the PG rating and suggest parental guidance, especially for younger children.

You can purchase this movie on DVD at Amazon.com or here. Or, you can rent it from Netflix.com or Blockbuster.com.

"Willow"

Starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Billy Barty, Jean Marsh

Story by George Lucas

Music composed by James Horner, Screenplay by Bob Dolman, Executive Producer George Lucas, Produced by Nigel Wooll

Directed by Ron Howard

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