Willow is an absolute must-watch and a perfect Date Night binge
If I am keeping it completely 100 with you? I really thought I would just let ‘Willow’ play with the sound off and while watching something else as I ‘reviewed’ it. It started off a little cheesy. There was a little bit too much of today’s social awareness being presented. It’s a Disney+ production, which can either make it way too family corny or be over the top. Long story short? It’s amazing and something I cannot stop watching.
Just to be completely thorough, I had the luxury of watching the first three ‘Willow’ episodes and knocked them out in practically one sitting. Yes, the issues I thought I would be consumed with almost came across as a ‘Made You Look’ moment - get through the first 15 minutes and it’s smooth sailing.
The humor. The acting. The cast. Freaking Willow himself, well, the legend Warwick Davis? And then you add in the stunning Joanne Whalley? I was already sold on getting throwback memories re-sparked but the genius of giving old heads and fanatics - maybe both - the nostalgia of the unforgettable 80’s classic mixed with the strength of actors like Tony Revolori and Erin Kellyman, or even the hilarious Ruby Cruz and Ellie Bamber?
I’m sold.
From the outskirts, you might think of this trying to play on the ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘House of the Dragon’ appeal but it’s much more than that.
Action. Comedy. And speaking quite frankly, the cast is really brilliant. Only a few episodes in and I honestly am sucked in. The lighthearted fantasy, the setting, the character arcs and an instant fan favorite in what Amar Chadha-Patel’s Boorman brings to the screen? Unbelievable.
More times than not I am going to push for movies to be worthy of Date Night consideration but sometimes there’s a solid series which has all the elements you get from an excellent film in TV format.
***UPDATE***
The great thing about embargo rules is by the time the embargo has lifted, the hype is insane and more times than not I will have had additional review materials and assets to use for major pieces.
Well, nearly a full seven episodes in with access being granted about two weeks from the embargo lifting, it’s safe to say the series has remained a thrill ride and ample surprises you’re going to find yourself loving.
As I watch and become more sucked into the fictional time period, it’s giving ‘Game of Thrones’ meets ‘The Serpent Queen’ vibes. While the humor and modern day language play well, there are some pretty intense and fun battles, steamy interactions and great storytelling happening you find yourself feeling like this is a show to enjoy and take serious.
The character development works well and my goodness, if a throwback surprise doesn’t make the series even more fun. Just wait and embrace this character’s funny side.
The series is a thrill ride as the episodes are consumed and has just the right amount of nostalgia and modern day moments to sell every demographic.
Well done, Disney+.
From Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment comes “Willow,” an all-new sequel and series based on George Lucas’ 1988 fantasy-adventure film “Willow,” which will premiere November 30, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.
