Written by Bob Dolman, based on a story by George Lucas, which recycles several elements of Star Warsand directed by Ron Howard, Willowa cult film in the hearts of many fans of fantasyhardly convinced the critics when it was released in 1988. On the site Rotten Tomatoes, where the film garnered barely more than 50%, the critical consensus is that “the latest special effects and the charming performance of Warwick Davis do not can’t really save Willow of its slow pace and its generic narrative” (we translate). Well, we could almost say the same for the Disney+ series. Willowwhich comes in eight laborious episodes.
First, for those who have not seen Howard’s film, or who have partly forgotten it, know that the series includes a summary of the events that took place some 20 years earlier, as well as several flashbacks back. Chosen to play Willow Ufgood by George Lucas during the filming of the Return of the Jedi (1983), where he played the Ewok Wicket, Warwick Davis takes on the role of the courageous farmer and amateur magician with the same aplomb.
Haunted by painful memories and nightmarish visions, Willow is once again torn from his dear little village, as when he had to protect Princess Elora, the baby girl coveted by the vile Queen Bavmorda. Once endearing, Willow has become bitter, impatient, melancholic. Fortunately, he still wears his heart on his sleeve and hasn’t lost an ounce of his courage.
New generation
Children of Queen Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) — who once ganged up on her mother, Bavmorda — Kit (Ruby Cruz) and her twin brother, Airk (Dempsey Bryk), have diametrically opposed characters. The first, promised to her chagrin to Graydon (Toni Revolori), a clumsy gentleman, has the qualities of a formidable warrior. The second, a serial seducer more insipid than suave, frolics with his latest conquest, a blonde cook by the name of Dove (Ellie Bamber). When Prince Airk is kidnapped, his sister goes looking for him.
Accompany the valiant Kit in her quest the no less courageous Jade (Erin Kellyman), who would give her life to save that of her precious friend, Graydon, however not very gifted for combat, and Boorman (Amer Chadha-Patel), a sturdy fellow not always reliable.
In order to be up to date, the creator of the series, John Kasdan, son of screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (The Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, etc.), and its troops have included LGBTQ characters and brought in diversity actors. If at least they had given them a little more substance in stride.
A traveling dove
To the surprise of the disparate group, Dove soon takes part in the crazy escapade in the hope of seeing the chosen one of her heart again. She will show off her talent for cooking so as not to be sent back to the castle by Kit, deeply annoyed by the naivety of the young servant. Long walks follow through vast landscapes, punctuated by stops where the young adventurers exchange childish dialogues in a pompous tone. We play it serious despite the good-natured humor.
Pursued by terrifying creatures and witnessing strange events, the band goes to the village of the nelwyns to ask Willow to come to their aid. Between the latter and Dove a master-apprentice relationship develops. Despite her potential, Dove turns out to be a poor student – and the viewer quickly annoyed by the repetitive magic lessons. Meanwhile, Airk wakes up in the middle of a desolate place, with no hope of being saved.
In order not to spoil his pleasure of reconnecting with the enchanting world of Willow and to savor the nods to the film, including moving tributes to Val Kilmer, who originally played Madmartigan, father of the twins, you should ideally not have seen The dragon house neither The Lord of the Rings. power ringsnext to which the series pales in comparison.
In fact, the new version of Willow suffers from an overwhelming soundtrack, in places deliberately anachronistic, from special effects that are not always convincing and, above all, from a lethargic rhythm as well as haunting lengths. Easily defeating the pawn of his partners in adventures, some one-dimensional, others stupidly serving as ” comic relief Willow is by far the most interesting character. Without his presence – and the charisma of Warwick Davis – the series would be far from captivating. Small consolation for the nostalgic: the 1988 film is also available on Disney+.