Willow (2022–2023) User Reviews

Less than CW-quality, and made for no one

[eugenia_loli · 5/10 · 30 November 2022]

Terrible show. Hasty writing and pace, no fleshing out of the situations or the characters.

Dialog as bad as seen on network TV, like the worst kind you'd fine usually on CW. For example, on the first episode, a character who had quite some dialog up to that point, dies while part of the main team, and no one acknowledges his death afterwards. I mean, what is this? Who wrote this vapid, emotionless, shallow show?

Also, the anachronistic stuff (e.g. Modern dance, pop song, speaking rudely to the royals etc) really take you out of the fantasy. Either this is high fantasy, or it's a cheap teenage drama disguised as one.

I wanted to like this, but it doesn't let me. It feels as if the writers didn't take their assignment seriously, and only worked on the script in between other projects, in weekends.

Don't know if I'll be able to finish this series

[rich7354 · 5/10 · 8 December 2022]

I felt that the first episode was OK, 6/10. Unfortunately, each episode presented so far is worse than the previous one.

I don't want to harp on the modernization prevalent in each episode, because, in other shows it doesn't bother me at all. For some reason though, it just grates on me here. It's like fingernails on a chalk board.

Since I'm airing my laundry, let's touch on other things that are sub par, or just plain bad. The two lead actresses are not very good, and the way their characters are written makes them fairly dislikable... a major negative in a show like this. Top that off with appalling humor, or rather, attempts at humor, no tangible bad guy, and a lackluster supporting cast, and you have the makings of a show that is going nowhere.

I'll keep watching, hoping for improvement; but, color me skeptical.

Disappointing

[aharris69 · 5/10 · 5 December 2022]

I really think this is an excellent example of why you should leave well alone. Weak storyline, some poor acting. I have a cricket bat less wooden than Warwick Davis (cricket bats are made of willow).

It's like he's reading all his lines from a card.

Fair enough only two episodes in, but I just don't see it improving, but we can only hope. It's a good job Disney have The Marvel Universe to stop the channel being a total waste of money.

I will give it another two episodes and then bin it, if there's no improvement. How about these companies try investing in something new and original instead of feeding us these lazy revamps.

Sadmartigan :(

[gepetto33 · 1 December 2022]

It's become apparent that Disney feels some grotesque need to release content on their platform without any deeper thought about what & where to go with it. This is the feeling you get with Willow, and the writing that doesn't even feel amatuer-ish - it feels embarrassing. For everybody on that show, Warwick especially. It's apparent that the writer has no connection with what the character/actor would comfortably say at any given time, prompting him to spew out wordy, awkward lines, that he has to somehow form together into "acting". The dialogue comes across so unnaturally it's embarrassing. Somebody should feel ashamed for this, really.

The last thing you want to do with fantasy is have it come across as modern. Even if you didn't enjoy the Rings of Power show it still has a feel of antiquity about it, about the continuity of what they say and do. About what the characters are concerned with during the course of the show..... but that is not the case here. Here you get Nickelodeon teen drama (that firmly reminds you you're in the year 2022), mixed with half-hearted, poorly conceived fantasy. Which has zero percent of the feel captured in the 1988 movie, and while i can't say that was perfect either it stands as a masterpiece in comparison to this.

Who is to blame here isn't clear. My vote goes to Disney, for coming up with an idea and then going with whatever first idea was presented forth to them, no matter how good or bad it was. The content machine must keep flowing, or else they lose subscribers.. right? Well they will certainly lose people by continuing to release abominations such as this. Ya know i do feel bad, just because i know how severe the internet is going to tear into this one, review-wise. So 6/10 is a mercy from me.

Disney really sucks at making anything better than basic

[briandernsferd · 6/10 · 1 December 2022]

Why do you have to do this? Why do you take stories like this and write the most useless and annoying script and story. This was made for 10 year olds who don't know any better. The Harry Styles wardrobe of the prince, the angsty teenagers, the weird modern vocabulary and style, the out of place mix of American and British accents, (the horses jumping off an 80 foot cliff into water only to show that the water is only 2 feet deep and they're now walking across it (Yeah that really happened...)). Disney continues to make such uninspired, thoughtless content that is so surface level and frustrating.

Unfortunately, that's kind of the staple of modern blockbuster cinema as it is. But Disney seems to be leading the charge, and it's so disappointing because they have and keep getting rights to material that has so much potential.

How do you take a movie like Willow, that feels mystical but grounded and naturally entertaining and decide to expand that universe...with this? The way that they act so coy and cheeky in the middle of a disaster or tragic moment makes me think of a Disney channel sitcom. Seriously, think about it while you're watching this.

I was so happy to see Warwick Davis reprising his role, and I felt myself wanting to be excited about the idea of Elora Danon being grown up. But you just slapped it in our faces without regard.

Disappointed... again.

Struggling with the cast, and struggling with the acting.

[jamesvass-62316 · 3/10 · 30 November 2022]

"Like totally bad ass princes..." And with that piece of dialogue from the main culprit of this farce, my hopes for a well written or perhaps performed story were dashed. The series picks up '200 moons' after the events of the first. The queen has had two children with Mad Mardigan, and Elora Dannen has been placed in witness protection again. After the typical arranged marriage and reluctant princes scenario unfolds in the first act, the palace is attacked by mysterious, but well thought out enemies, and the prince gets himself handsomely kidnapped... Enter quest to rescue... The, by now highly unlikable and clearly gay princes, heads out to save her helpless but handsome brother from the forces of evil. The prince's life long guardian and protector who is part of their group gets killed in an attack and she doesn't even acknowledge his death! Instead opting to run away and later snuggle with her female companion by the campfire. The spirit of family and friendship which helped develop the characters in the original movie have been set aside to tick boxes and ensure that the cold, selfish, narcissistic nature of the new contemporary characters blaze trails... I gave it a 3 for Warwick...

I don't understand the hate!

[rachelereyna · 7/10 · 6 January 2023]

I don't know if people were expecting a masterpiece or something but I found the series enjoyable. Is it cheesey? Yes, but so was the movie. Many of us Willow fans were kids when it came out. You have to watch the series with the eyes of the kid you were and think of this as a fun, family, fantasy series. The special effects aren't bad, better then the 80's for sure. Yes it's a little YA, but that's because they are trying to reach a new audience, a younger one, and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Stop trying to take everything so seriously and just enjoy it for what it is. It's not supposed to be another Game of Thrones, which could work in it's favor considering the ending of that show.

Strangely bad bland YA fantasy comedy

[just_in_case · 1/10 · 1 December 2022]

I wont lie Willow is one of my favorite films of all time. It could be called a childrens fantasy made by adults for adults. The acting, music and story are superb.

This is the opposite of any of that. Its so strange to watch. Its like one of those generic spot filler YA fantasy movies thats just a vehicle for some disney star, but even in that context the writing pacing and action are so bland. Like Twilight bland. If nothing else they went super cheap on the writing. Its like an intern chained to a desk wrote this in 20 minutes and the cast are just collecting paycheck.

Really disappointed that Disney would take an IP like Willow and dump out schedule filler trash like this.

What a disappointment...

[JayDano · 2/10 · 12 December 2022]

I so wanted this to be great... But it really feels like a group of highschoolers cosplaying and joking around, bringing out of retirement their parents' teenage movie heroes. I know it's fiction, in an imagined world, chocked full of magic and so on. But it would give it a more realistic tone if the language used was more sophisticated; if the character's behavior, attitude, manners... had been worked on more, instead of sounding and feeling like an angstsy teenager reading the script; if the wardrobe didn't include a couple of woodswomen wearing jeans and flannel; basically, if the original story had been treated with respect by Disney+ and they had spent more resources in making it better. I really don't want to blast any of the actors (well, one of them is terrible, but I'll let her be, she's young and has time to refine her skills), but Lucasfilm should have been more careful with how they handled their treasured Willow.

Show is made to be lightweight and fun, not LoTR serious

[nipple_blaster · 8/10 · 13 January 2023]

If you disliked the acting and dialogue, you clearly misunderstood what was going on in the show. It's not meant to be a serious and heavyweight fantasy like LoTR for example, but a fun ride that you can sit, relax, and enjoy for 40 mins. For me it even felt a little bit like fantasy satire. At some points it was almost breaking the fourth wall even, like when they were talking about "the quest" they were on (as if it's a video game) and mocking the tropers they were getting themselves into.

So having said all this, acting and actor choices were spot-on, especially the Graydon actor - he did an amazing job with the role.

I really wish this gets past the audience thickness and score bombing and renews for volumes II and III.

Willow returns as a pile of dung...

[pyrothing · 6/10 · 30 November 2022]

Warwick is ok, the rest of the actors, accents and all the rest is so far terrible. Willow was a childhood favorite including the books but this does not come remotely close to capturing the magic that was the original Willow.

This how ever starts so poorly in episode one and just keeps getting worse. The sword play is laughable, sets below average and the costumes are a complete joke. If you loved the original movie I recommend steering well clear of this joke of a show which I had high hopes for. Warwick and the music are ok but everything else is a let down with Val Kilmer unable to reprise his role as Mad Mortigan due to his previous cancer struggles and loss of voice.

Its a pity as this could have been a wonderful and amazing show.

Patience

[russell_j_clark · 8/10 · 15 January 2023]

The show continues to build and build. There are some great fight scenes, memorable henchmen, dancing on "truth plums", twisting character progression, and some great nostalgic beats (as well as some recognisable tropes) that will either make you feel delighted or illicit a groan.

I found myself laughing out loud, rooting for the heroes, joining in with the quests, and enjoying the progression of the main villain.

I am a sucker for magic, fantasy, dungeons and dragons, I suspect I watched this with kinder eyes than some.

I saw a series that took chances to build a wider world as well as paying homage to the original film.

Warwick Davis is back!

[Matt-Canalcon · 7/10 · 30 November 2022]

I was able to see the first 4 episodes. The series will likely please die-hard fans of the original film because I mostly enjoyed what I was able to see, it takes some time to get used to the new characters & the modern look of the series but they don't waste too long getting the adventure started with some fun action, comedy & heart. I love Warwick Davis and it's great that they bring him back in this role, he hasn't lost his touch. If you fell in love with Willow during your childhood, you are going to be more than happy to see that he's just as inspiring and courageous as he was back then. I think the pacing is on-point so far, the world was fresh in my head after watching Willow the night before but they use the mythology very well to build the foundation for this season.

Not all the characters work for me but the spirit of the original film is there and that's going to be sufficient for people who've been waiting a long time to see Willow back on the screen. I feel confident to say that people who are not really familiar with Willow can jump into the series without seeing the original film, even though I recommend watching the original film before because the series act very much like a sequel to 1988's Willow. The people at ILM are having a blast with visual effects building this world with new goggles and some of the new creatures really benefit from the technological advancement.

If you're not exactly sold after the first episode, I feel like it gets better as it goes along because you get attached to everyone and they actually took the time to write an engaging story. Episode 4 was the last one I saw before writing this review, it might be my favorite episode so far. There are some nice surprises in there for fans of Willow and you can expect the same balance of emotions you found in the 1988 film. I didn't love everything about the series but I know I'm going to stick until the end of this season to see where this is all going. I was quite surprised because this is not usually my type of series, but Warwick Davis is the big draw here. We're back into his element!

7/10.

Fans Are Not Target Audience

[herrbrett · 2/10 · 12 December 2022]

Look, 40 something fans who loved the movie are not the target audience. It's not bad for a teen drama with magic. I have daughters, I get it. This show is closer to Monster High than it is to Willow. Disappointing, but not surprised.

Sooner or later Disney is going to have to remember who pays the subscriptions. You can't raise the rates while ruining intellectual properties that are cherished. But whatever, I'm glad to see Willow again if only for a minute.

My biggest gripe believe it or not is why does it take place 20 years after the movie when it's almost 40 years later? Seems like an odd timeline.

From a lover of the original movie

[NicoleCorrin · 7/10 · 18 January 2023]

I am enjoying this series. There are great character inserts that help keep it exciting. So far I'm still interested in watching because I want to see the out come and because I love Warwick Davies and Willow.

The series could be better - example not sure if it's the actors or the writing but the little love interests between various characters are not convincing and have not made me excited for them to finally get together. They seem forced and there is no actual Interest just words.

The New Age music is not needed. If anything it's making it worse because I'm watching a show that has taken me to another land and time with their world and suddenly I'm listing to upbeat songs from our world. They don't match.

I hope this series keeps going but go back to its roots and make me want the characters to succeed, fall in love, feel anger, etc so far it's just dialogue. Some of the actors even look confused as opposed to the feelings they should be showing with what they are saying.

Warwick Davis deserved better than this.

[DeceptiveFox · 19 January 2023]

This didn't even feel like Willow. It felt like people were attempting to use what little clout the franchise had and use it as a vehicle to introduce a story/characters that should've been written into their own series in the first place. Here's some issues:

1.) Willow isn't even the main character. Imagine going to watch Wednesday only to find out it's about her friends, and she's just kind of 'around'. That's what you get here.

2.) Remember the beautiful orchestral music from the film? Gone. Replaced by completely inappropriate songs, many of which are terrible covers. Hearing The Beach Boys in a high fantasy setting completely detaches you from the show...or Crimson and Clover during a weird forest rave. There's a reason the fantasy genre generally sticks with basic music...anything else feels out of place.

3.) The series changes things with little to no explanation. Why has everyone aged decades except one specific character? Why do certain creatures suddenly have an extensive vocabulary and look completely different? You'll be left with more questions than answers.

4.) The forced modernization. Every race and sexuality are represented. I've said before, diversity is great but not when it feels forced. When it feels forced it's almost as offensive as no diversity, because you're essentially creating 'token' characters. There also shouldn't be social commentary on war/pollution in a fictitious world. We're watching a fantasy series to escape our world for a while, not to be reminded of what exists in it.

Bottom line, I'm fairly confident this series won't be renewed, and with good reason. Warwick Davis deserved way better than this.

The Bones Tell Me Nothing...except this show sucks.

[RussHog · 1/10 · 1 December 2022]

Huge disappointment in the premiere episode. It feels as if the people who made this just did not care. The mythos is textbook but soulless and it feels more like they are making fun of the genre than trying to do anything serious with it. There are no good establishing shots the action is bad, the acting is cringe, the dialogue is terrible, and even when poor Willow himself shows up the show makes him just silly and ridiculous. Truly one of the worst things I've ever sat through. This is not as bad as The Rings of Power, but it's right up there with The Wheel of Time or some of the other awful shows that get thrown around. Sadly, it's a no from me, dawg.

Good

[coles_notes · 7/10 · 30 January 2023]

Created by Jonathan Kasdan as a follow up to the original film in 1988, this Willow follows the same world many years later as Elora Danan has been hidden away and the daughter of the great Madmartigan has been tasked on an adventure alongside some new and old friends to trek to the other side of the world to defeat the evil Crone, a dark spirit trying to take over the world by any means necessary. Using the film as a jumping off point, this new Willow doesn't strive for seriousness much like the original and only works the better for it. Often with multiple gut laughs per episode, most of this series is a lighthearted joke, more of a satire of adventure dramas than it is something wholly standing on its own. I thought the writing was exceptional, and the CGI, sets, and wardrobe were done quite well. The acting was hit and miss but mostly good, although I have the strong sense that some of the bad acting that is there was slightly on purpose, perhaps part of the joke, though there was definitely some line delivery that could have used a few more takes. Warwick Davis doesn't bring much range beyond his usual semi-serious tone, but on the other hand I would have rioted if they cast anyone else to play his character, so it works. I thought it was really funny, but I could see how some would be disappointed if they wanted a serious adventure. If you go in for a laugh with some love of the original you're going to have a very good time. Would recommend and I hope we see season 2.

If you're a fan of the movie steer clear

[debracurle · 3/10 · 30 November 2022]

Another excellent 80's movie dumbed down for current American teenagers. Absolutely brutal. I wanted to love it. Heck I would have settled for liking it. Nope. Got 15 minutes in to Ep 1 and had to quit before I puked. Didn't even get far enough to actually see Willow himself. If you have zero expectations and no appreciation for good acting you might be ok. For me this is on par with Big Brother and other shallow, vapid American tv shows aimed at the 13-21 crowd. Ug even The Chronicles of Shannara was better and that's saying something. Gag me with a spoon. I'm out. Sorry Willow.

Spoiler: the only enjoyable part was the opening narration where Sorsha/Joanne Wahlley says "what can I say, I was young" about the folly of marrying Madmartigan/Val Kilmer. That made me chuckle. Life imitating art and all that.

While i liked it good enough - do not watch it - cancelled with no closure !

[Honodi · 6/10 · 16 March 2023]

To my own surprise , i actually liked this show a lot more than i expected. While it has some problems with the writing (one of the most noticeable is the romance choice of the main character - which is crystal clear in episode one , yet they drag courting out for 5 episodes for no reason - or they should have just cut the scene in episode 1 that gave it clearly away) and the cast struggles at times to be believable, overall it is good entertainment and fairly enjoyable. It clearly tries to emulate the style of shadow and bone in some aspects and fails at that, yet the show finds its own style eventually. It is something that i see pretty rarely these days, and that is just enjoyable entertainment. Disney however found a way to completely mess this up and that is something that should just not be a thing in 2023 anymore and that is ending a season on massive cliffhangers and then cancel the show.

Troll dung

[danmasucci-424-796715 · 1/10 · 30 November 2022]

Pros: The visuals look great.

Cons: The writing is Attack of the Clones meets the CW.

The acting relies on the writing.

The acting is bad.

No consistency with accents.

The queen's children are weak, spoiled brats that we are to believe are the stuff of heroes.

The script reads like a virtue signaling checklist.

The plot is dreadful.

I'd write more but my minimum character limit has been achieved.

I was super psyched to see this. The original film- for all its cheese- is very entertaining. This sequel is less than a shadow of a "peck".

Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones (excluding the dismal last season) paved the way for great fantasy cinema but instead, we've been plagued with Wheel of Time, Rings of Power and now Willow.

Fantasy films/TV series need a savior.

Puzzled by the negative reviews

[cogollo1974-612-157173 · 9/10 · 16 January 2023]

I really don't understand why this show has so many negative reviews.

I'm 48 and watched the original movie in the cinema. This series has the same theme and easy jokes as in the movie, but with better CGI and character development (advantage of the TV series format). In summary, I have the same feelings of fun and fantasy story as when I watched the original movie.

Yes, it has some "teen" themes and "modern" tropes that would have been weird in 1980s, but I think it's a perfect continuation of the film.

I hope Disney will renew the show for a second season and the critics will be more patient with the series.

The story of Willow continues in new entertaining, modern fantasy, adolescent-geared, Disney show!

[sarahelizsnell · 7/10 · 8 January 2023]

I must preface this review by saying that the original film is an absolute classic and my favorite movie of all time. It is difficult to compare the new show to the original film; however, being a huge fan of the original story and characters has made this show exciting and even a blast to watch. While the script and characters are definitely more geared for a modern, 'teeny bopper', Disney-oriented audience, it still did not disappoint in the realm of fantasy, magic, love, friendship, human experience, and humor. Overall, I found that it is fun, entertaining, dramatic, and has tons of connections to the original film, which really keeps me most interested in watching it. I also thought that while the story and plot were pretty simple, they were also clever, especially in regards to Elora not knowing who she was and what she was capable of - and watching that discovery and growth unfold throughout the series. The new, distinct characters that go together on the quest, despite acting like awkward and maybe even annoying modern teenagers, are actually pretty fun/ny as well as those they meet along the way. I enjoyed seeing all of their interactions and growth throughout Season 1. Warwick Davis, as Willow, remains true to his original character. And I love how "what happened to Mad Mardigan" remains a mystery so that he is actually honored as a vital part of the new series without necessarily starring in it. While the series does not have the same vibe as the original film it is based on (especially with its more modernized, adolescent take), it is still a fun, creative, and entertaining way to keep the story going - and I am really hoping for and cannot wait for Season 2! Thank you, Disney and Lucasfilm for bringing the fantasy and magic of the story of Willow back into our lives!

We waited so long for this

[tpheb · 2/10 · 20 December 2022]

I'm really left so underwhelmed by this series. The movie introduced so many creatures and amazing characters into this realm but this show so far is just a mishmash of comedy sketches - that really aren't all that funny, but instead very poorly acted.

The world seems very silly and nonsensical with people behaving in unrealistic ways. I feel it was written by someone straight out of college and very quickly indeed.

What they should've done is let a fan from back in the review the script before they began filming.

The character that is meant to replace val Kilmer repeated his lines as well as a first year drama student and willow, well his acting ability hasn't progressed at all, which pains me to say. And his characters scenes are pathetic and again really written by someone who just didn't understand the original movie.

Such a shame, but also what I guess I expect from modern remakes.

A fun fantasy romp

[arminio-70098 · 16 January 2023]

I really loved watching this series. In an era of more serious dramatic fantasy series (which I still love) like Game of Thrones, This reminded me of genre shows of the late 1990s, like Xena, Stargate, and Farscape. And like those shows while it has a bunch of fun light moments, it is capable of pausing and allowing more dramatic serious ones. It has a tone and style that's not for everyone but it's constant with it. If you like D&D shows like Critical Role or Dimension 20, or loved the movie a Knight's Tale, you will probably like this show. Loved all the characters, both new and returning and really hoping for more seasons.