Willow, the 2022 series, is here and with it comes the return of Warwick Davis in the iconic role, but it is the newcomers here that steal the show. This review is based solely on the first seven episodes of the Willow series.
The movie Willow came out in 1988 and was immediately embraced by all those who love fantasy. Sometimes called the best non-Lord of the Rings fantasy adventure film, it is about time that there is a sequel of sorts. Disney+ has just premiered the Willow series, which will consist of eight episodes, and it stars Warwick Davis, who has come back to reprise his role as the lovable Willow Ufgood. While it is great to see him back, it is the rest of the cast, mostly the young newcomers that steal the show.
The series starts off twenty years after we last saw Willow. Twenty years after he saved baby Elora Danan. We are treated to a quick recap of events in case it has been a while since viewers have seen the film, or for those who haven’t seen it at all. The funniest part about this is they chose not to update the special effects from the 80s, they are kept exactly the same in these first few moments. Of course, in the series itself, the effects use modern technology and are much more impressive and seamless.
We don’t meet Willow again until the end of the first episode, when he is asked to go on a rescue mission with the young group of misfits. Over the course of the next few episodes we are treated to some moments of the past (indicated by Willow’s sweet goatee) but mostly we spend time in the present, where things are not going according to plan at all.
Willow is an epic fantasy adventure that just gets better and better as it goes on, but it is not without its issues. Again, we have only seen the first seven episodes, meaning we do not know how the series will wrap up and if it will stick the landing.
What Works With Willow
One of the best parts about this series is that it immediately sucks viewers in to the story. It doesn’t waste time letting you get to know, and kind of love, these characters. It doesn’t spend too much time on the mundane either, delivering some incredible action, even in the premiere episode. Willow came here to play, and this show is not messing around. It becomes crystal clear that there is an dangerous journey ahead for all characters involved, even if some key moments are a bit predictable.
Warwick Davis is phenomenal as Willow. It is lovely to have him back, and it feels like he never left. It is interesting to learn what he has been up to all this time, but he does seem to have changed a little (more on that later). It is the newcomers in the series that steal the show in the beginning.
However, the longer the series goes on, and the more time we have with the title character, the more it is obvious he is the glue holding them together. Even when he is doubting himself and being a bit rude to those around him, it is easy to love the magic that this character brings to the story.
This series might be called Willow, but it is more about the story of the younger newcomers — their drama, and their travels. With the assistance of Willow, of course. The actors all embody their characters in a way that make them believable — for better or worse — but it Kit (Ruby Cruz) and Dove (Ellie Bamber), and the turmoil between them, that will likely be the favorite part for many viewers. To Kit, Dove is just another conquest of her brother Eric’s and when they end up forced to travel together, she is stubborn in any attempt to get to know her. In Kit’s mind there is no need for Dove to be there, and she is only slowing them down.
Graydon (Tony Revolori) provides a lot of the comedic relief, along with Boorman (Amar Chadha-Patel). The two entertain whenever they are on screen — together or separately. Jade (Erin Kellyman) brings the strength to the group whenever it is needed. Her relationship with Kit is one of the best in the series as it is obvious these two will do just about anything for each other, even when they have their quarrels.
The beauty of this series is nearly unmatched. Willow is set in such a grand scale that it is hard not to completely lose yourself in it, and the story that is unfolding. The sets are massive and the special effects are pulled off really well — especially when you compare it to the ones from the 80s movie that we see at the start of the first episode. This series is visually stunning on many levels — when you can see it that is.
What Doesn’t Work With Willow
Episode three delivers some truly incredible moments as there are lots of twists and turns which propel the story forward. There is even one of the best fight sequences from the start of the sereis that is absolutely packed with action. The issue lies in that a lot of this episode takes place at night, in the pouring rain, and that makes it nearly impossible to see. Adjust your television settings so that you can see how it all plays out, and that will be worth it, we promise. It is unfortunate that this part is so dark because there really are some great things going on here.
The other issues with the series is that Willow seems to have grown an attitude over the last twenty years. Yes, we know he has felt like he has had no hand in raising Elora despite wanting to train her, and that is a large and important part of the story, but something about his comments sometimes rubs us the wrong way. We love Willow, so him being a bite rude at times doesn’t sit well with us. Surely this is for a reason, but it doesn’t stop us from cringing at the words that are said every now and then.
Overall Thoughts
Willow is a fantasy adventure story and it just gets better and better with each episode. It starts off intriguing, but for those who find a hard time connecting early on, stick with it, because it is more than worth it once the middle of the series hits. Willow comes in a year where we have had several series in this genre already, but it certainly makes an impression and brings something new to the table. Fans of the 1988 film will be happy with how it has honored the legacy, and newcomers to the franchise will be able to understand the story and the plot without really needing to go back and watch the film (although we still highly recommend that they do).
While Warwick Davis is fantastic in the role, it is the “kids” that steal the show the longer the series goes on. He has his time on screen, but it is apparent that the wand is being passed to them, so to speak. It is smart writing to not focus too heavily on him, and as viewers will discover there is a lot more to the story than just what he brings to the table.
There are shocking moments, unexpected twists, and some truly stunning visuals. The fight scenes are epic and the story that unfolds only gets more and more intriguing. The ensemble cast truly brings their A-game, and we cannot wait to see what the finale brings.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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About Willow
The Nelwyn sorcerer returns, years after rescuing the infant empress Elora Danan, to lead a group of misfit heroes on a harrowing rescue mission through a world beyond imagination.
Willow features Warwick Davis returning in his titular role, with Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Jonathan Kasdan, Tommy Harper, Wendy Mericle, Roopesh Parekh, Ron Howard, and Samie Kim Falvey serving as executive producers.
Willow is streaming now on Disney+.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.