Review of Willow (1988) by Derek L — 04 Jun 2009

Willow is a fun adventure fantasy that probably paved the way for similar ventures in its time period. There are some very interesting bits at play here. For one, Warwick Davis - a good actor by any reckoning - is cast as a member of a race of diminutive people.

While, physically anyway, this is no stretch for Mr. Davis, this is clearly an inspired choice - allowing the movie a freedom that doesn't have to be afforded by special effects (Peter Jackson, I'm looking at you).

Mr. Davis plays well as an aspiring magician, and plays well against Val Kilmer. Mr. Kilmer is pretty good here as well, a bit swarthy and such - he knows the character well, it seems and works it all out fine.

Aside from the actors, there is some great magic at play here both in the special effects and in how the movie comes together. There really is the feeling of being in a fantasy world. The action and adventure are brisk and exciting, the comedic elements are largely quite droll and amusing.

In all, Willow is a thrilling fantasy action-er.