In this Disney+ sequel show to the 1988 fantasy film of the same name (I wished they'd given this a subtitle to differentiate it from the original), Nelwyn wizard Willow (played by Warwick Davis) joins up with a group of adventurers to complete a rescue mission.
I've seen a lot of criticism of this online, but I really enjoyed this. The Willow show isn't trying to be as dramatic or takesitself as seriously as Game of Thrones or even Power of the Rings. It's trying to be a family-oriented, old school fantasy throwback, and it does a very entertaining job. Fun, it's just fun!
Not to say this doesn't have story. I thought the world-building and multiple character arcs were handled quite well. Also, an appropriate menace is brought to the forces of darkness here. (Though, it is a bit tiresome that the show runners feel that the majority of villains have to look all messed up.)
Admittedly, the complaints that the show feels a little modern are a smidge true. There are a few elements that feel out of place for a medieval fantasy world. Also, this contains modern songs, which are even more distracting. However, I didn't consider them deal breakers.
The characters really make the movie. Davis now plays a wiser, but crankier wizard, and does a great job as the mentor figure (it's too bad that probably due to his stature the actor hasn't had as many high profile roles as he should have.) Best newcomer is definitely Amar Chadha-Patel as rogue Thraxus Boorman. He's the humorous, Han Solo-type member of the group and he always steals the show. Ellie Bamber and The Grand Budapest Hotel's Tony Revolori also do really well as a cook and prince, respectively. Unfortunately, Princess Kit Tanthalos' character does suffer from being a complainer and bit of a pill in a lot of this, but she is likable when she's kicking butt and isn't in a bad mood, and Ruby Cruz gives a good performance.
Visually the whole program is pretty impressive looking. This feels inspired by the 80's and the whole thing has an untethered imagination feel to it.
Recommended, this is a good time that goes by quickly.
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