Willow

Sometimes you just need a good, old-fashioned quest to wash away the cynicism of the modern world. If you haven't revisited Willow lately, you might be surprised by how much heart is packed into this 1988 fantasy romp. Produced by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, it’s a film that wears its influences on its sleeve, feeling like a classic fairy tale brought to life with the kind of practical, tactile magic that we just don't see enough of anymore. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it spins it with such genuine enthusiasm that you can’t help but get caught up in the ride. Warwick Davis is absolutely the soul of this movie as the titular farmer-turned-hero. He brings a sincerity to the role that grounds all the high-fantasy stakes, making you actually care about his mission to protect the infant Elora Danan from the clutches of the delightfully wicked Queen Bavmorda. And then there is Val Kilmer as Madmartigan. Honestly, he is the secret weapon here. He plays the disgraced, wisecracking swordsman with such breezy, roguish charisma that he steals every scene he’s in. It’s a performance that reminds you why he was such a massive star; he’s funny, he’s physical, and he’s got that perfect touch of arrogance that makes his eventual growth feel earned. The production design is a real treat, too. Those matte paintings and the practical creature effects have a certain charm that CGI just can't replicate. Sure, the pacing can get a little lumpy in the second act, and some of the battle sequences run a bit long, but that’s just part of the territory with these epic adventures. It’s a bit slushy at times, and maybe a little predictable if you’ve seen every fantasy trope in the book, but it’s also incredibly amiable. It’s the kind of movie that feels like a warm blanket on a rainy day. If you’re looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously but still manages to deliver a solid, entertaining story with characters you’ll actually root for, give Willow another spin. It’s a piece of 80s fantasy gold that still holds up as a genuinely fun time.