Willow * FIRST TIME WATCHING * reaction & commentary * Millennial Movie Monday

If "The Never-ending Story" magic met the practical effects of American Werewolf in London.
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preview review starts: 00:35 - 2:19
Watch With Me: 2:34
My Review: 25:03
Extra Beans: 28:04
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[@cncs2806]

"Ladyhawke" is such an underrated 80's fantasy movie that you should totally watch.

[@chubbypekingese]

The soundtrack for Ladyhawke doesn’t age well. I wish they’d recut the soundtrack and redo the movie score with an actual orchestra

[@seannovack3834]

I have no issues with the Ladyhawke soundtrack. Maybe I'm weird that way. Also, Isabeau's scream as she falls from the tower and transforms haunts my nightmares.

[@kharilane1340]

@@chubbypekingese The music makes this movie my friend!!! Ladyhawke has been one of my favorite fantasy movies ever since i got to rent it on VHS when I was sick and had to stay home from school!!!

[@kharilane1340]

I completely agree with you. Matthew Brodrick is so funny and the cheesy 80s synth pop/ epic score soundtrack really put it over the top. It was a go to movie at the local video rental store for many years when I was growing up. This and The Princess Bride were movies I first watched when I was too sick to go to school.

[@Wuffskers]

Yessss so good, I feel like I hardly ever see people talk about Ladyhawke when talking about classic 80s movies. Has she watched Wargames? that would continue the Matthew Broderick train, also a great 80s movie

[@paulhewes7333]

Val Kilmer married the actress playing Sorsha and had kids, and though they divorced later, her and the kids have been helping him with his illness.

[@Zodia195]

It's nice they are still on good terms.

[@paulhewes7333]

@@Zodia195 his issues have really done a number on him, but he is in good spirits and has his now grown kids around him.

[@VadulTharys]

It was career that broke them up, she wanted to be a family he wanted to pursue his career, it ended their marriage. Though I doubt it ended their love.

[@ajvanmarle]

@@Zodia195 With the kids, yes. Not with his ex wife. He was served divorce papers, while he was in a hotel. Out of the blue.

[@PB-tr5ze]

@@ajvanmarle lol a friend has a laser disk of willow that he had signed by Val Kilmer at a comic convention. He handed val the cover, val signs it and over the image if his ex wife val started to write something... But Val's assistant stopped him after he had already written "Wit"... My friend was sure it was going to read "witch".

[@Alicatie]

I think The Dark Crystal and Legend are the last two BIG ones in this 80s/practical effect genre.

[@Skrubb_Lord]

100% agree.

[@kmoffett213]

Both GREAT movies!

[@richardrobbins8067]

Dragonslayer and Krull maybe, but I'm sort of a nerd 🤓

[@jamestreanor4361]

100% agree. Two of my favorites form back then. Tim Curry was amazing as Lord Darkness and Mia Sara, need I say more.

[@sunflower7045]

✨LEGEND✨ SO much glitter 😆💖

[@Meghanwithanh007]

That attraction between Kilmer and Joanne Walley (Sorsha) was quite real. The actors married shortly after and had two kids but divorced in less than a decade. After watching Kilmer’s “Val”, it was clear that relationship wasn’t going to work out but I always think of their characters having a long and happy life together.

[@team10leader1]

If you're wondering why the evil queen's daughter switched sides so suddenly, there was originally a deleted scene where she discovers (contrary to her mother's claims) that her father was turned to stone by her.

[@vanyadolly]

I always thought it worked in the movie as it is. She's lived a life with no kindness or warmth, and you can tell she was affected by Madmardigan's love-spell behaviour because of that. Not necessarily because she falls in love, but because she wants more out of life

[@rhaenyralikesyoutube6289]

@@vanyadolly Well....it can't possibly be because he's ridiculously good looking either. 😏😁

[@vanyadolly]

@@rhaenyralikesyoutube6289 Haha, I would have picked him over that mom for sure 😂

[@MandalorianRevan]

In the novelization of the movie, her heel-facr turn is less abrupt as she also finds out her mother had been using magic to mind control her as well.

[@epzbarlow77]

Warwick Davis (Willow)is a powerhouse of an actor. He has a long career. From Star Wars to Leprechaun.

[@brianhammond2832]

A giant resume!

[@rhoetusochten4211]

And, don't forget: An Idiot Abroad.

[@ochayethenoo]

Harry Potter also.

[@Thundarr100]

Don't forget Harry Potter. He was in every movie that featured Professor Flitwick.

[@travisfoster1071]

@@Thundarr100 Griphook, and several other characters.

[@DaedBoi]

The incomparable Warwick Davis. He's been a part of so many generations of childhoods! Harry Potter, Willow, Leprechaun, Star Wars just to name a few! He's an absolute treasure.

[@erikawilliams9558]

He is

[@paddyofurniture705]

Warwick also did a season of IDIOT ABROAD and is well worth the watch.

[@jbowman2323]

He also has some skits right here on youtube!

[@Video_Crow]

If you haven't seen his mockumentary series "Life's Too Short", you're missing out.

[@ahmedjacuzzi5494]

I think the only person I could compare to Warwick Davis is Billy Barty. The guy's a legend, working in TV and moves going back to the 1920's. He was a big part of my childhood.

[@ThreadbareInc]

The troll turned into a giant dragon thing because Willow flubbed his transformation spell, not because it hit the water. Also, its head blew up because it tried to breathe fire but couldn't open its mouth. Willow was a favorite of mine growing up, so I've noticed a lot of details.

[@ericjanssen394]

And the name of the two-headed dragon,,according to the script? The two-headed Ebersisk. See, Lucas was naming some of villains after movie critics, (hehehhh… 🙄 ), and betcha can’t guess which two he named this one from.

[@SpiderandMosquito]

@Eric Janssen I don't act like you haven't done that, too. Though, my grievance these days is more with the system of review scores and criteria and how much we as viewers take stock in them, over disagreement with critics, individually; rotten tomatoes teaching us to objectify film quality with numerical ratings, without reading the more nuanced commentary behind the score. But that's not a conversation we have to have right now, okay bye

[@TheGoIsWin21]

All other things aside, "its head blew up because it tried to breathe fire but couldn't open it's mouth" is one of the funniest sentences I've read in a while"

[@marqijackson6103]

I did not know why it's head blew up. Thanks

[@NZBigfoot]

Im always surprised people dont realize why its head explodes... even as a 10 year old watching it in the cinema i knew why. Granted the sword to head size is a little out of scale which is more what my child brain was getting miffed at lol.

[@LibraKing3121]

"Krull" & "Legend" are 2 that MUST be included in the 80's Fantasy movie category.

[@christophercattie]

I love Krull - but I'm pretty sure she will not :)

[@ghostbeetle2950]

Oooh, guys, guys! ...Conan. Arnold "HeCouldGetIt!" Schwarzenegger at his machismo finest!

[@HEAVYMETALmovie1981]

@@christophercattie I loved Legend 😎

[@johnirving5949]

Dragonslayer too!

[@spirittammyk]

Especially Legend.

[@theecstaticinfidelhypothes9222]

During the credits at the beginning, you were laughing about Billy Barty's alliterative name (it was a stage name, of course). Billy Barty had a long and storied career in Hollywood with over 200 credits to his name and was not only an actor but an activist, founding the Little People of America organization in 1957.

[@michaelccozens]

IIRC, and I think Ashleigh has watched it, but Billy was the camera operator in UHF.

[@seannovack3834]

I first saw him in Sid & Marty Krofft's "Doctor Shrinker".

[@B-a-t-m-a-n]

@@seannovack3834 Who do you think did more acid, Sid or Marty?

[@erinesque1889]

I have seen him in several things and always recognise his voice. I was also surprised to know that he was in Roman Scandals as a shrunk Eddie Cantor. Iirc, he was around 4-5 in that movie. He was also my first introduction to Rumplestiltskin.

[@alexvaraderey]

This sequence of films isn't complete without watching THE DARK CRYSTAL. It's up there with Labyrinth. EDIT : Okay, Comment Section. Calm Down. :) Ashleigh, you also need to watch LEGEND. It is Good.

[@mabbitybabbity]

Yes. Dark Crystal and Legend (with Tim Curry and Tom Cruise) ... Also, MirrorMask is brilliant

[@guerillagrueplays6301]

Was plannin' on saying exactly that :)

[@crappiefisher1331]

@@mabbitybabbity dark crystal, legend, krull and when we are at it - even tho it is animated - the last unicorn

[@mabbitybabbity]

@@crappiefisher1331 Last Unicorn has an excellent soundtrack, too!

[@Fluffykeith]

@@crappiefisher1331 Total props for the Krull shoutout

[@randomjunk1977]

Fun fact: When Willow is trying to turn the sorceress back into a human in the tent and she morphs into a tiger, that is the first time a real time digital "morph" was ever done on screen in a movie.

[@Mugthraka]

once ILM flexing on everyone else back in the day

[@mikethegrape1]

Then other studios had to get their hands on the effect and it was seen everywhere after that

[@mrcydonia]

I remember seeing it in the theater and wondering how the hell they did that.

[@robertkendzie3]

There are SO many more great 80's fantasy films: Ladyhawke, Dragonslayer, Krull, the Conan films, the Dark Crystal...

[@williambevins]

Beastmaster, Legend, Clash of the Titans and Time Bandits, too.

[@davidl5452]

Can't believe I didn't think of Ladyhawke, used to be one of my favorites.

[@charliepotatoes001]

@@davidl5452 I second Ladyhawke!

[@Nangleator22]

Ladyhawke has two of the most beautiful leads ever in a movie. It's got fur babies and feather babies and eternal love. But no magic beyond the premise. Also, way more serious tone (but not heavy) than most 80s fantasy movies.

[@tjl9458]

Don't forget Legend. I remember Mia Sara so well in that film. Tim Curry was pretty great too.

[@SweetSailorM]

I have a suggestion for a millennial movie Monday, “Enemy Mine”! Nothing like Willow but great movie that’s not remembered enough.

[@GaijinGuy36]

Good recommendation!

[@leec5170]

That's a GREAT movie!

[@IanHollis]

YES!!! Loved it as a kid and didn't know why. Watched as an adult and appreciated it even more!

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

" Robinson Crusoe on Mars "

[@mdeluxe1929]

The witch, Fin Rezel was in Never Ending Story as well! She played the short gnomish woman who was the wife of the scientist and gave the shot to the luck dragon!

[@rhaenyralikesyoutube6289]

Oh wow, I didn't recognize her beyond her giving the hero some creepy ass gummy worms.

[@007odc]

Lol i was about to mention that….out of all my 35 years of watching “willow and never ending story” I only realized that a year and a half ago lol and the fact that “Val kilmer” married the “Sorsha” in real life which that part i new since i first saw willow 😂

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Urgl... Edubook's wife... It has to hurt if it's to heal... ;)

[@Ivy94F]

@@007odc I loved this movie and remembered when I found out those two had gotten married. I was reading about some film she was in and they called her Joanne Whatley-Kilmer. As a lover of this film, I was stoked to read that!

[@darkcosmos88]

You need to add "Legend" to your 80's fantasy list.

[@M11969]

Agreed

[@vee7586]

big yes! i just commented the same thing lol

[@hildajensen6263]

Ladyhawke is an underrated 80' fantasy film, that belong on that list as well. Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Broderick and John Wood. - What's not to like?

[@eurofritz4617]

@@hildajensen6263 Dragonslayer also!

[@dusty3913]

Legend is absolutely gorgeous, but it might put you to sleep.

[@jillpeterson8196]

Warwick Davis (Willow) was just 17 when this was filmed. He was so good as a dad, even as a teen. He also was an Ewok in the Star Wars franchise.

[@KSDVLmom]

I was wondering why he's still so young? Ish

[@jillpeterson8196]

@@KSDVLmom Started as a baby!!

[@EntertainmentFan11]

Not just any Ewok. He played Wicket. AND he played a killer Leprechaun.

[@jillpeterson8196]

@@EntertainmentFan11he played THE killer leprechaun!!

[@MJubecki1984]

You might want to watch "The Dark Crystal" and "Legend" as well. They are both deep in that 80's fantasy Genre. The Dark Crystal was the movie Jim Henson made before The Labyrinth

[@passenthrualaska3293]

Legend for sure... the visuals alone... and just try to tell me that Tim Curry won't get a 'I know he's evil and all, but he could get it" in that film. But to have the real, Good Old USA, retro reaction she needs to watch the original US release version with the soundtrack by Tangerine Dreams.

[@YouLousyKids]

Dark Crystal, absolutely. Legend? Not a chance. I just watched that for the first time a month ago and it is horrendously dull.

[@passenthrualaska3293]

@@YouLousyKids Which version did you watch? The European version can really drag if you are not in the mood or into that more... high brow style. The Original US release had been edited down quite a bit more and had a very different musical score. (Woo! for Tangerine Dream) I'm not saying one style is better than the other, that's up to personal opinion, they are just different, kinda like a Rock Concert versus an Opera.

[@lenascullard]

LEGEND!!!!

[@jacob4920]

@@passenthrualaska3293 Agreed. I watched the US version of "Legend" first, and I loved it. I went in to watch the European version after that, because I was told there was more to it, and thought that meant it would be that much better... Absolutely effing HATED IT! It's one of the few things in cinema that Americans did a better job of. Which is a rare occurrence in Hollywood. Also, it's only one of like five movies, in total, where I don't want to punch Tom Cruise in the face, the minute that I see him. Cruise was way less of a prick in his younger years.

[@gingermama7823]

OMG 18:25 I was chewing a caramel and the face you made had me laughing so hard I almost choked to def! HILARIOUS!

[@meganyounger4842]

You should watch "Time Bandits" from 1981. It's a fun, but scary adventure movie as well.

[@jonathantaylor3074]

with an awesome cameo by Sean Connery to boot!

[@jamesfield1674]

GREAT MOVIE, lots of cameos

[@NIKKABLUE]

Great movie but, at the same time, nightmare fuel for me as a young child of the 80’s…..

[@erinesque1889]

I need to rewatch that; I saw it as a kid and didn’t really get it

[@mikethegrape1]

When she said, "Does this wrap up movies like Labriynth & Never ending story?" I was, like, "No! You cannot leave this Era of 80's fantasy without first watching "Legend" starring Tom Cruise & Tim Curry. That score from "Tangerine Dream" is "Legend"ary... yes... pun intended! Lol

[@Theomys]

LadyHawke is also part of this genre, and is scores better than any of them

[@Jelperman]

Don't forget Dragonslayer!

[@warrenelkins1861]

Yeah there's at least another 20 movies I can think of off the top of my head

[@rachel8922]

Ladyhawke, Legend, and Labyrinth were the power fantasy triple feature of 1985-86. And if you watch Legend, absolutely get the American release with the Tangerine Dream score. There is a longer European release with a Jerry Goldsmith score which is great in its own way, but you need the full weird of the Tangerine Dream score to get the true experience of this movie.

[@AI_Image_Master]

How can you mention Legend without Mia Sara. Tom who?

[@alwayswrite2011]

11:40 - The one thing you're missing in your attraction to Val Kilmer is his singing voice. But for that, you need to watch "Top Secret!"

[@joebalusikiii5811]

She also needs to watch REAL GENIUS!

[@zvimur]

Also "The Doors" (if the songs weren't dubbed over).

[@brianvernon249]

Nick Rivers’ Skeet Surfing never leaves my playlist.

[@Broncoburger]

Don't forget the saint, kill me again,and heat! You can skip the Batmans. (Not his fault)

[@jualdeaux]

She needs to watch Top Secret and Real Genius anyway.

[@ericjahoda2997]

I hate to burst your bubble Ashleigh, but Joanne Whaley did "get it" for making this movie. She and Val Kilmer fell in love and were married after making Willow!

[@panowa8319]

Then they got divorced. It was alleged that his performance as Jim Morrison in THE DOORS that destroyed his marriage.

[@jacob4920]

@@panowa8319 What Hollywood Actor ever managed to be married only ONCE?! Finding one of those rare couples is like finding a freaking UNICORN in that romance hell-hole!

[@GCEXTREMEMN]

@@jacob4920 Well Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, tho never married, have been together forever

[@Trikeboy2]

@@jacob4920 Sarah Michelle Geller and Freddie Prince Jr, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard, Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates

[@SirRaugheim]

The Dark Crystal is another 80s practical effects masterpiece. It's a Jim Henson movie, but it's twisted

[@carmenmonroe7]

And awesome puppeteering.

[@timmycollins7665]

Your impression of the creature was so spot on and seriously made me really lol to tears.

[@SkyForgeVideos]

Other movies in this loose genre: - Dark Crystal - Legend - The Princess Bride - Time Bandits - The Adventures of the Baron Munchausen

[@ryanflake3481]

Dragon Slayer as well, oft forgotten classic

[@michellerhoades8774]

I was just scrolling down to see if anyone said Dark Crystal or Legend. Your list is great.

[@sunflower7045]

I think she’ll like ‘Legend’ for sure!✨💖✨

[@danielshea518]

She watched " The Princess Bride" already.

[@jndaley]

No one going to mention ladyhawk?

[@edinalewis4704]

If you want to wrap up this style of 80’s movies, you need to watch The Dark Crystal!

[@brianlogsdon4824]

Agree, such an underrated movie along with Legend.

[@lavondabland3179]

I forgot about the Dark Crystal. It does belong in this group but.......if freaked me out as a like 6 or 7 year old, the Skeksis were awful and the way they talk gives me chills to this day. But visually it was awesome.

[@willr7169]

Time Bandits

[@FenrirInFlowers]

Has she seen Legend? That's another worthy of a look if she hasn't already seen it.

[@theman4884]

I can't hear Dark Crystal and not think about Stephen Lynch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npKyqqZtepeNmNE

[@Melissa-wx4lu]

I second The Dark Crystal. it's another must for the 80's practical effects fantasy.

[@dawdlerific7071]

Dark Crystal and Ladyhawke!

[@heatherharvey2558]

@@dawdlerific7071 yes, please! Ladyhawke doesn't get nearly enough love!

[@stewartross1030]

Krull as well

[@stewartross1030]

Legend with Tom cruise

[@calibre97]

@@stewartross1030 YES! Thank you...definitely belongs in there.

[@chrispruett81]

I just wanted to say... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEIGH... HOPE IT'S A GREAT ONE TODAY!!!!!!!

[@bigyeticane]

Don't take this the wrong way, because I mean it as a compliment. During your Galaxy Quest reaction, and again during this reaction, you tilted your head back and laughed full tilt at one point. During these two periods, I was able to see your vocal chords open and close all the way, fully visible on camera as you laughed. I am studying anatomy and physiology in college atm, and you have provided the most visible, live example of natural human voice production that I have ever seen on the internet. Thanks, Ashleigh. :-D

[@Olbric_Hayward]

Magic Acorn Breakdown: The first one was used in a deleted scene against the guardian of Fin Raziel's island, "Fishboy." They had to cut the scene because the fish puppet was janky (a la Jaws). The second was dropped during Willow's fight with the troll, turning a wooden plank to stone (you may have missed that). The third... didn't quite work, but was a decent distraction against Queen Bavmorda. For some reason, I really got into the behind-the-scenes stuff lately, so that came in handy.

[@shilohstore6086]

Thank you

[@UltimateGamerCC]

tbf it would've worked if her skill in magic was not as pronounced as Raziel.

[@nalakia]

Yes, she made her save vs. magic, and was a high level sorceress, vs. Willow, with him being a first level sorcerer.

[@irishblondee43]

So fun willow facts- Val Kilmer and the love interest ended up married for 8 years and had 2 kids together and their son is an actor now as well (his name is Jack). And also disney +is going to release a sequel series later this year as a continuing of the story (I believe many Yeats later) and Warwick Davies with reprise his role as Willow!!!!

[@jvondd]

I love this movie. Sadly, it didn't do well in theaters, but it found an audience on VHS. And yes, if you like this one, The Lord of the Rings should be put on the watchlist.

[@marzh5278]

They are making another on Disney+ there is a teaser

[@jvondd]

I remember hearing something about that. I have no idea if it's going to be any good or not, but I'm interested in checking it out when it comes out.

[@ronaldsabourin8835]

I watched it in the theater and on VHS. Been looking for a Blu Ray copy.

[@marzh5278]

@@jvondd if u look it up Disney+ the crew talks about in the teaser

[@jvondd]

@@marzh5278 Cool!

[@Tanarandom]

I've had a really bad couple of days and I haven't laughed at all. When I saw you mimic the dragon's face at 18:25 I started laughing so hard for like 15 minutes. Thank you so much. I've literally watched this movie since I was a kid and I always thought they looked like that. Holy shit. I can barely type I'm laughing so hard. I needed that. You're awesome.

[@MikkosFree]

I remember watching Willow in the cinema. It will forever be part of my childhood. Can't help calling Warwick "Willow" whenever I see him in other movies.

[@matthewmarcinko9157]

Fun fact, Ashleigh: The big two headed monster they fought was called an "Ebersisk" and it was named by George Lucas after the famous film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel, assuming you know who those two gentlemen were.

[@dionbram]

I had not heard that thank you for sharing that new fun fact. :) And she may have to look them up, I think they were before her time.

[@zeyguy]

And General Kael was named after New Yorker film critic, Pauline Kael.

[@theman4884]

@@zeyguy The S. S. Minnow was named after the head of the F.C.C., Newton N. Minow. Not that that has anything to do with Willow.

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

They stood up for Empire Strikes Back against another critic!

[@matthewmarcinko9157]

@@dionbram EVERY generation must be made aware of Ebert and Siskel. They left behind far too much wisdom to be simply forgotten.

[@warre1]

Val Kilmer married Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) in real life and stayed married for 8 years. Also sequel tv series will be released later this year on Disney+ where Warwick Davis reprise his role as Willow.

[@Nozoki]

I hope it doesn't follow the god-awful story from the books Lucas wrote with Chris Claremont.

[@Haplo699g]

"DISNEY SMASH YOUR CHILDHOOD!"

[@williambanks2223]

Billy Barty was a legend in the little person acting world. He played many of the characters in Sid & Marty Krofft shows such as Lidsville & Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. He also played Gwilldor in Masters of the Universe.

[@BileDuctBalderdash]

Wasn't he the one who played leprechaun in all the leprechaun movies

[@danielsangeo]

@@BileDuctBalderdash Warwick Davis (Willow) played the Leprechaun.

[@Nozoki]

@@BileDuctBalderdash Billy Barty was the old wizard. Warwick Davis played Willow, and yes, he was in Leprechaun, and Star Wars, and Harry Potter.

[@gengoosekhan]

He also played the 'little German' in Top Secret, also with Kilmer.

[@sunsungoaway]

He was the cameraman in UHF. "Aw, did I do that? Whoopsie!"

[@AJStarhiker]

I remember when Willow came out. I had one of the 'magic' color changing cups. It was also one of the first DVDs I bought.

[@Goldenbane]

LOL, I remember Cap'n Crunch Cereal had a tie in with the movie as well, and you could get magic tricks. One magic trick was the ability to make a coin (a penny) disappear, and the other was a magical picture of Willow that changed from black and white to full color!!

[@paulaOyeah]

The Brownies are Lenny and Squiggy. 😉💜😘

[@BufordT]

Warwick Davis, who plays Willow, was only 18 when the movie came out!

[@bernhardtsen74]

I wonder how good the Willow tv series will be!hopefully just as good as this movie!

[@morningcoffeebreak7367]

He also played the role of Filius Flitwick and the bank teller in the Harry Potter series. I think he was also Griphook, but I'm not sure.

[@roy19491]

Warwick was Wicket, the Ewok, in "Return of the Jedi", at age 11.....

[@girlyghoul]

My college roommate and I bonded over our mutual love for this movie. Whenever one of us had achieved something we'd been working towards we'd look at each other and say "You ARE Great!" with Willow's accent😆

[@lkf8799]

Lmao 🤣

[@collapsing_star]

Fun fact: Kevin Pollack played one of the two tiny guys. He went on to have a nice career starring in great movies like A Few Good Men and The Usual Suspects.

[@mayorjimmy]

he also got a giant pen from Tom Cruise. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGWtpqqJq7WoZpI

[@ericjahoda2997]

Don't forget his best role as Yani Gogalak in "The Whole Nine Yards" with Bruce Willis!

[@nate1066pollock]

And he was in Grumpy Old Men!

[@gggooding]

He's also the high-master of Christopher Walken and William Shatner impressions. Easy to find on KZbin.

[@theman4884]

The Usual Suspects would be a great review.

[@nicholasholloway8743]

At 2:20, TY, you brought back Soo many memories for me as a child, our family had Willow on VHS and so that helped me remember ALOT of stuff I didn't before, thank you Soo much again. Ashleigh

[@toob1979]

It's been far too long since I saw _Willow._ I liked it because it finally gave Warwick Davis a chance to show off his acting skills without being in some kind of suit or with tons of special effects makeup. Also, Val Kilmer is cool as Madmartigan (one of the best names ever in a movie). For your next swords-and-sorcery movie, I vote for _Conan the Barbarian_ (the original 1982 version starring Arnold Schwartzenegger at his hugest).

[@tbruce8187]

There is a Willow TV series coming out later this year. Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Willow.

[@AJ17_]

Yes! And Ron Howard is involved again as well as an executive producer. It'll be on Disney+. I'm looking forward to it.

[@vando6679]

Ya I'm curious if it follows the sequel novel. Shadow moon

[@jimp1151]

no shit?

[@wardenm]

Puppetry and practical effects are ABSOLUTELY a lost art! Not nearly enough of it these days in films outside of explosions.

[@christopherbrown6049]

Super correct😁

[@LastBastian]

I somehow read *Puberty* and practical effects. Lol!

[@rmhartman]

there are some directors that are preferring practical effects.

[@sharkdentures3247]

@@LastBastian Same here! LOL Also, I REALLY think Practical effects NEED to make a comeback! I'm not saying CGI should be outright "abandoned". (You can't put that genie back in the bottle, and it's wasteful to even try.) I just think that it should be used to ENHANCE (practical) special effects instead of replacing them.

[@AnonEyeMouse]

@@sharkdentures3247 Why? CGI is superior in every way to practical effects of the same level of competence. You can always spot practical, no matter how good. Great CGI is invisible.

[@wargboyz]

"That baby gonna need a lot of therapy after this" - Fun fact, they wrote a trilogy of fantasy book sequels about Willow, and yes, that girl needed major therapy. (Called Shadow War, co-authored with George Lucas).

[@Sakyosha]

Lucas's input ended about 30 pages in though lol. It was a grand trilogy though. It seemed to take forever to get the third one out.

[@lowtechredneck6704]

I never knew that....I'll need to hunt those down.

[@JeremyHodges]

I love those books. Imperfect, but still fun.

[@tropicalcatdetective]

My memory of them is pretty vague now but I seem to remember I really struggled with those books, it seemed so very different to the tone and world Lucas and Howard presented in the film. It felt a little bit like Claremont already had his own pre-existing concept for a fantasy saga and for some reason was just allowed to shoe-horn elements of the Willow IP into it. (It also didn't help that it took Claremont 4 years to write the last entry.)

[@liamevans9815]

The on location filming took place in Wales and New Zealand. The interior set filming took place in England.

[@maxtew6521]

Yeah, 'Dark Crystal' is a necessary addition to movies like this from the 80's.

[@mweber00]

This was a huge part of my childhood. Thank you for giving me an excuse to revisit it. You may be surprised to learn that the actress who played Raziel was the woman with the dogs from A Fish Called Wanda.

[@nixnightbird138]

Nowhere near wrapped up. LEGEND (1985) is a must-see. Also THE DARK CRYSTAL, BEASTMASTER, CONAN, CONAN THE DESTROYER, DRAGONSLAYER, THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN, and LADYHAWKE.

[@justsomebody-1665]

and Krull!

[@karlwiggins]

and Clash of the Titans...

[@stephenolan5539]

Time Bandits, Brazil, and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen are an unofficial trilogy.

[@Beshuu]

Madmartigan didn't betray Willow. One of the dudes kicks him and says, "told you we'd find them without you." Madmartigan is pretty stand-up this whole movie. Except when they stole the baby while he was taking a piss. Edit: Spelling fixes.

[@keithmartin4670]

You may be interested to know that there is an 8-part made-for-TV sequel scheduled for this year, also starring Warwick Davis as Willow. Billy Barty started out at 3 playing babies in silent films and performed until shortly before his death in 2000. My favorite of his is a featured role in “Foul Play”, in which you can actually see his face. You will definitely recognize his voice from “Willow”. He was also an activist for little people.

[@dmillitello73]

Another excellent example of great 80's special effects also happens to have a Disney princess you haven't met. Dragonslayer(1981) is a live action collaboration between Paramount studios and Disney. It had some of the best dragon effects for its day.

[@3DJapan]

As a CG artist I still say practical effects are usually better when possible.

[@ThreadBomb]

Agreed, the best movies do a clever mix of approaches. Pitch Black was a good example of that.

[@shawnj1966]

@@ThreadBomb , I think, The Thing vs the prequel is a resounding example of that.

[@Len0Grady]

Absolutely- it’s why so much of Lord of the Rings holds up so well.

[@ronfehr7899]

Willow was a pioneer in the film industry as the first movie to attempt the art of morphing, or shape-shifting. In fact, the dvd version of Willow contains a featurette explaining how it was done.

[@DanSolo0119]

The "magic grandma" was played by Patricia Hayes, who was the little old lady in Neverending Story.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Yes... Her name was Urgl... Engywook was the man... xo

[@DanSolo0119]

@@vanessawhitneypro I know but I wasn’t sure if Ashleigh knew who Urgl was. I love the Neverending Story so much that I read the book, watched the animated series, Tales from the Neverending Story, the second movie, and (to my displeasure) the third one.

[@PorkyBorky]

Agreat actrress who could do comedy but was also famous in the UK for her serious stuff. Won a BAFTA (UK Oscar) for her lead role in a very dark drama about an alcoholic.

[@BeeWhistler]

I always picture her when I read Discworld books that include Granny Weatherwax. She had the right vibe.

[@drew2fast489]

Your impression of that monster was priceless! 🤣🤣😂

[@mikaelafox6106]

Beans is so super cute. I was here for the view, and I stayed for the Beans. 😄 Also please watch Time Bandits. That movie, plus Legends, messed up my childhood. Willow was almost alongside those movies, but watching them as an adult helps!

[@dronefury]

My daughter is named Elora after this films character.

[@poolhall9632]

🧚‍♀️Elora🧚‍♀️

[@christopherbrown6049]

Awsome, i was thinking it but you've done it, i am soooo impressed with ya😍😀

[@dronefury]

@@christopherbrown6049 well it was that or Princess Lissa from Krull. ;)

[@christopherbrown6049]

@@dronefury Heee Heee! Krull was good though wasn't it but the cyclops death scene upset me back then😯😯

[@itzakpoelzig330]

I met a kid named Atreyu once. People really be out here doing that, and I say good for them! We don't need another Chris or Jenny.

[@6sKi6z6]

Additional fun fact: I was friends in high school with a guy who's last name is Peck. We would all randomly go "Peck, Peck, Peck, Peck, Peck" and so forth.

[@TheDopestOlivellaOnEarth]

My dad went to high school with a guy with the last name Peck. Anytime my dad talked about him, Willow always crossed my mind.

[@amandadougherty6615]

Fun fact! They’re currently in production for a new Willow TV show! With Warwick Davis!

[@SeniorBaybee03]

I feel like these types of movies are most appreciated or “hyped” when you see them as kids. I remember seeing Willow, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth and Return to Oz when I was little and they are like nostalgic-classic movies for me.

[@LA_HA]

I wish she would do a short series. I dunno. I kinda wanna see someone do the animated series, Dungeons & Dragons. Such a fun show

[@dethwizard]

Dude, Willow was like one of my favorite movies growing up!

[@stillhuntre55]

I saw this in the theatre, and watched three VHS copies to death - then my hubby bought me the anniversary edition DVD with Warwick Davis' commentary. Totally worth watching!! His commentary is amazing!! As to where it was filmed.. New Zealand! Same as the Lord of the Rings.

[@roberthughes2402]

Also, Joanne Whaley is in a movie that should be a must watch for you. It's called The Man Who Knew Too Little and it stars one of your favorite actors in the lead role --- the one and only Bill Murray.

[@shannonbryan2191]

Loooove that film!

[@ME143-c1d]

She reviewed it already

[@roberthughes2402]

@@ME143-c1d You're correct. I even watched that review. My apologies.

[@jamesmoyner7499]

For more fantasy and medieval films of the 80’s I highly recommend: Clash of the Titans, Excalibur, The Last Unicorn, Legend (director’s cut), Time Bandits, Brazil, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, The Dark Crystal, Conan The Barbarian, Krull, Fire and Ice, Wizards, Return to Oz, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Black Cauldron, Highlander, Red Sonja (so bad it’s hilarious), Also since Disney owns Lucasfilm which made Willow there is going to be a sequel series to the film with Warwick Davis returning for it,

[@MsWaif]

Yes, I would also add Jason and the Argonauts the preceded Clash of the Titans -- both films are about Greek Mythology and were considered groundbreaking for stop-motion special effects. Legend is a personal favorite of mine and stars Tim Curry as the bad guy. Return to Oz was the stuff of horrifying childhood nightmares. 😳 😆

[@jamesmoyner7499]

@@MsWaif Yes Jason is great and she should watch it, but I was only going about listing the ones from the 80’s and there absolutely was never any other film to come out with the name Clash of the Titans after 1981. That is the only one to exist.

[@MsWaif]

Gotcha, yeah just felt it should be mentioned since they're kind of a set, though not necessary to see Jason to appreciate Titans.

[@theman4884]

Yes to: Conan the Barbarian Something Wicked This Way Comes Brazil Clash of the Titans Jason and the Argonauts And since we are doing Ray Harryhausen : The 7th Voyage of Sinbad Mysterious Island (but only after watching 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which is a must see) The Valley of Gwangi

[@jamesmoyner7499]

@@theman4884 Everything you listed is in fact Harryhausen except 20,000 Leagues that was Disney. You were probably thinking of The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, but are worth watching.

[@rikkymoller]

Krull, Legend, Beast Master, clash of the titans, dragon slayer, Conan the barbarian … so many more!

[@brettmarlar4154]

Highlander has a lot of similar vibes to this film, add that to an epic soundtrack provided by Queen and it is pure 80's goodness!!! Now for more epic Val Kilmer movies, Real Genius is a must as well as Top Gun.

[@billytidwell7229]

LEGEND should definitely be included when reacting to this genre.

[@justanotherdayinthelife9841]

Yuuuup

[@ortizmo]

Tim Curry kills it in this. Music is effin awesome as well. Tangerine Dream, Jon Anderson, Bryan Ferry, David Gilmour. HOOOOOOO!!!!!

[@NightRanger-lz6tp]

The Title Character Willow is played by Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi and would play an evil killer Leprechaun in 6 Leprechaun movies. Also Val Kilmer and Joanne Whaley (Sorscha) would fall in love and get married for real. They have since divorced but are still on friendly terms.

[@larrytodaro8460]

He's also Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies

[@RichardX1]

One of my favorite movies, and I never noticed until now that Madmartigan feels like a Ryan Reynolds character. Also, this was one of the first uses of CGI "morphing" during the final transformation sequence of Fin Raziel.

[@timmatthews-newbiegeekguit2634]

So glad you did this movie. It was one of my favourites growing up. So much so that I got a Jack Russell puppy, last year and we named him Willow, after the main character. Every time we play the movie now, he runs up to screen whenever anyone shouts 'Willow!' and gets really excited. He did it during your video as well whenever you said Willow! :)

[@pedanticperson1149]

Re: Madmartigan (Val's character) betraying Willow to the soldiers (14:00) You must have missed it, but when the soldier slaps him off the horse he says "I told you we didn't need your help!", meaning that Madmartigan didn't lead them back there.

[@rockybalboa1653]

Warwick Davis who plays Willow was also Wicket the Ewok (the main cute "teddy bear") in Star Wars-Episode 6: Return of the Jedi.....he also plays both Professor Flitwick & Griphook the Goblin in the Harry Potter films. Check him out in the Leprechaun films too😊🍀

[@TwistedSither]

Some other fantasy films from the 80s include Legend, Krull, Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, Red Sonja, Dragonslayer, and Beastmaster.

[@roberthughes2402]

Dragonslayer is a really good movie that holds up today in my opinion.

[@Haplo699g]

+1 for Krull!

[@bluebird3281]

The sword and the sorcerer

[@lylypad]

Krull!

[@leiatyndall8648]

Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

[@tyger166]

One of the great things I love about practical effects is that they also leave something behind - like collectors and theme restaurants etc can buy movie props and they are around for a lifetime - whereas CGI has no physical legcay.

[@kimwatchesstuff]

I never really thought about that. Cause 50 years from now there is not going to be a going to be a practical Avatar suit in a museum.

[@erikawilliams9558]

Truth. I wish they would bring back practical effects for some things. In some cases they just look more real (makeup, explosions, etc)

[@firstenforemost]

CGI-dominated movies STILL generally have as many physical props as practical effects movies. If you watch the behind-the-scenes of the Marvel movies, most of the props are real.

[@mrscb5303]

Wow and yikes!! Never thought of that 😭 I grew up watching movies with practical effects and there is something about them that is important. The best movies now use both.

[@firegaze21]

I’m glad there’s been a bit of a comeback in use of practical effects. It just feels more real than the full CGI attempts. Also I love props, so added bonus that there are more.

[@TuxKamen]

So, a little something from the comic adaptation of this film. There were two scenes in the comics that weren't included in the film itself. First, when Willow went across to Raziel's island, a person all in gold swam up and tried to stop him from rowing over. When Willow persisted, the gold person turned into a giant gold fish and tried to eat him (I believe Willow used an acorn here to deal with the fish). There were some still shots from around this point in the movie where Willow's hair is all wet and stringy, so it might've been filmed but cut out. The second took place at the castle with the two-headed dragon (called Eborsisk... referencing film critics Siskel and Ebert). One of the crystalized figures talked to Sorsha, and it turned out to be her father, who implored her to help fight her mother who had cast the spell over the castle. So in that situation, her turned against her mother's army wasn't quite as spontaneous as it seemed in the film. After this movie, Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley (Sorsha) actually did get married, but it didn't last

[@FiercedeityBrad]

Fin raziel was played by Patricia Hayes who played urgl the gnome in Neverending story

[@thereturningshadow]

Fun Fact: Warwick Davis was only 17 when filming this, playing a husband and a father.

[@tinastar1972]

As an American, I don't see him in films and on tv as much as I used to as a kid, but I have recently discovered Would I Lie To You? on KZbin and spotted him in at least one episode.

[@sallyatticum]

@@tinastar1972 He was in an episode of Doctor Who.

[@tinastar1972]

@@sallyatticum I haven't seen Doctor Who since he wore the long scarf and fedora. My best friend was super into it, but it wasn't for me. He was sci Fi/fantasy and I was more sci Fi/horror.

[@jacquelinecallejas1390]

@@tinastar1972 Depending on the episode, Doctor Who DEFINATELY can be sci fi/ horror. Among the most horrifying adversaries for the Doctor are The Silence, and The Weeping Angels. The Weeping Angels have been in several episodes. Maybe your friend can help you see those episodes. You will probably enjoy them.

[@erikawilliams9558]

Weeping angels are freaking terrifying

[@erikawilliams9558]

"... which finger..." "This one!" That made me laugh more than i should have lol P.s. i forgot how much i loved this movie as a kid. This and many others are probably why I've always wanted red hair (so jealous of yours btw). Thanks for watching it.

[@PeepshowMenagerie]

Other great fantasy films to check out: Legend, (the original) Clash Of The Titans, The Sword & The Sorcerer, The Company of Wolves, Wizards, and (of course) Beastmaster

[@vladtepes9614]

Don't forget Krull!

[@smokeyverton7981]

Holy crap Beastmaster. Saw that in the theater. All I could think was "is that the dad from Good Times ?"

[@PeepshowMenagerie]

@@vladtepes9614 And especially Krull! ;)

[@rwxstudio7173]

I Second Beastmaster.

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Has anyone said Ladyhawk yet?

[@GeoffreyToday]

My mom took me to see Willow in the theater when I was 9 years old. Afterwards I remember we went through the mcdonald's drive through for dinner, and we ate in the car in the parking lot and talked about the movie. One of my happy bonding memories from my childhood.

[@dreamweaver3095]

"Wellcome Baaack" "Mystical Adventure Vibes" :D Ashleigh! you have me lmbo at my desk!!

[@luludee1300]

Haha! I did see this as a small child! No nightmares from this, I don't think. I was 5 or 6 when this came out and I had my first sleepover at a friend's house for her birthday and we went to see this in the theatre. Instant love for my very young self.

[@erikawilliams9558]

I think i was around seven. I loved it

[@tiktok010]

A movie on par, but animated from the 80's, is The Last Unicorn. Not really a kid movie although advertised as one. Great soundtrack! Would recommend.

[@Zodia195]

No surprise about the animation being amazing since the animation studio for it went on to help form Studio Ghibli. Rankin and Bass was in charge and if someone were to tell me as a kid they always were responsible for Christmas Classics like Rudolph and Santa Clause is Coming to Town, I don't know if I would have believe it because the tones are vastly different. She should also watch The Hobbit too if she manages to watch The Last Unicorn, oh and Flight of Dragons.

[@BruGaleen]

I cannot watch that movie without crying like a baby the whole way through. Every single character has something I can relate to on a deep emotional level. Beautiful animation, amazing soundtrack, just emotionally devastating all around. Great pick. :)

[@tiktok010]

@@BruGaleen agreed. Such a compelling movie.

[@jennielyra3694]

This was one of those movies I thought I had dreamed and later found out it was a real movie.

[@arisucheddar3097]

I'm aliiiiiiiiiiiive

[@sallyh5413]

Thank you for appreciating the practical effects of the 80s. As a person who grew up in that decade, it is hard to watch the new CGI stuff without craving something that looks like you can actually touch it. Puppetry is a lost art and I wish it was still appreciated like it was then.

[@kathryngreen8665]

Willow zapped the troll with the wand, that is what turned it into a 2 headed monster not the water. This is one of my all time favourite movies, I am so glad you enjoyed it.

[@FlickFreaks]

Since Ashleigh loves Val Kilmer, I kind of want to recommend ‘The Ghost & The Darkness’ but given how graphically violent that movie is & that it’s based on a true story, I’m thinking not. Also it might change her feelings on cats.

[@steevvegas9318]

oh yes.. !!! Classic Film Welcome back !!!! Ashleigh..

[@worstcaseofcrabsever5510]

You can always count on George Lucas for some imagination. That wasn't a "lock" of hair. A lock is just a small piece. That was her "braid" which is much more significant. The troll didn't change into the 2-headed monster because it got wet. It changed because willow used the magic wand on it. The reason the Two-headed monster's head exploded is because it tried to breathe fire with a sword stuck in its head and couldn't open its mouth. Warwick Davis, who played Willow, was an Ewock(those furry guys) in "The Return of the Jedi"--another Lucas film. You are right about CGI. Movies have become reliant on it. Real life effects are often way better. CGI is just lazy. I have to hand it to the actress who played Bavmorda--she thoroughly crushed her role and stole the show. The guy who played the Wizard from Willow's town was in UHF as the cameraman. That dude has been in a ton of movies. Here are 3 films you might look upon. #1 Starship Troopers #2 Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure #3 Surf's Up

[@michaelccozens]

CGI is not so much "lazy" in and of itself, but it is used lazily by a lot of lazy directors (looking at you, Michael Bay). In the right hands, it's a marvel; look at how practical effects topped with CGI still look timeless in "Jurassic Park", and that's 30 years old now (and only 5 years older than "Willow"). The sticking point, I think, is that practical effects do a lot of minor things automatically that lazy CGI doesn't take into account. Look at "Transformers", for example; you have what are supposed to be unfathomably massive machines jumping around a city, and yet the trees on the street don't shake, the parked cars don't bounce, etc. As the guys at Red Letter Media put it, "you may not have noticed, but your brain did". I dunno what the hell happened the George Lucas between this film and the unspeakable dreck of the Prequels, but I sure wish he'd kept doing imaginative stuff like this, instead of disappearing up his own asshole with tech that let him "direct" while sitting in a chair drinking coffee.

[@chubbypekingese]

When this movie was made, the CGI wasn’t lazy… it was groundbreaking…

[@bradpriebe9218]

Two more of this "type" that you'll love the practical effects - Legend and Dark Crystal (this might be the impressive - done by Jim Henson). For adventure/fantasy it's hard top beat the Lord of The Rings and the Hobbit movies.

[@leadspot]

Ashleigh spooking out about old practical effects is still the best tread from this channel

[@paulshaw9953]

Val Kilmer signed my DVD of this, he wrote "actual size" on it and an arrow pointing to the picture of Warwick... the grin on his face as he did it, I'll never forget it

[@johnross6805]

There are a few more fantasy genre movies from the 80's. Legend, The Dark Crystal, Krull, Clash of the Titans, Excalibur, Dragon Slayer, Conan the Barbarian, Beastmaster and I'm sure more but that's all I can strain out of my brain at the moment. Plus there were several pretty good animated ones.

[@heidibrown3854]

Ashleigh… you will love Krull! Lysette Anthony has long, beautiful red hair. Also, it is Liam Neason’s first film.

[@TheNeojanus1]

Conan, what is good in life?

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Ator, Yor, Deathstalker, Hawk the Slayer....

[@NIKKABLUE]

I forgot to add Beastmaster to the list that I made! One of my more favorite movies as a kid.

[@JanPospisilArt]

Oh damn, did not expect this! A proper overlooked classic. Young Val Kilmer is the man.

[@toodlescae]

I remember first seeing Warwick Davis as Willow. Didn't realize until later that I had seen him as Wicket the Ewok with my kids. First movie my son ever sat through the entire movie without moving. 😂 The last roles I really saw him in was Professor Filius Flitwick and Griphook in Harry Potter. I know he's still doing roles in movies and tv now though.

[@nixnightbird138]

He was in Solo, and has the honor of playing more roles in Star Wars than anyone else.

[@kylejde]

Disney + will be doing a Willow series this fall - here is a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYHUnGyhbpaHe80

[@cognitiveresonance339]

The actress who played the good witch was in Neverending Story. She was the old gnome wife who fed Atreyu batwing broth.

[@robertrouse4503]

Two great Val Kilmer films, "Top Secret" (from the guys who gave us Airplane and Naked Gun) and Real Genius.

[@CardCarryingPsycho]

Also "The Saint"