Willow

:

Season 1
  • Network: Disney+
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 30, 2022
User Score
4.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 107
  3. Negative: 50 out of 107
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  1. arekusu
    Jan 11, 2023
    10
    For people looking for a well made show that feels right out of a young-adult fantasy novel, this is probably the best live action fantasy TV series I've ever seen (and truly, I've watched almost all of them, haha). It has a lot of comedy and doesn't worry about focusing on grimdark lore and violence. Almost like Avatar: The Last Airbender in tone, it manages to balance comedy, wonder,For people looking for a well made show that feels right out of a young-adult fantasy novel, this is probably the best live action fantasy TV series I've ever seen (and truly, I've watched almost all of them, haha). It has a lot of comedy and doesn't worry about focusing on grimdark lore and violence. Almost like Avatar: The Last Airbender in tone, it manages to balance comedy, wonder, and deeper themes in an unusually good coming of age adventure.

    It's not as amazing a show overall as the early seasons of Game of Thrones, but nothing in the live action fantasy genre is. Willow's strength is that it's a completely different type of fantasy story focused on fun characters, comedic banter, and a feeling of adventure as you travel through a strange new world. Given that the classic movie had a silly tone throughout and was, above all, a series of cool filmmaking set pieces with a plot that sometimes seemed like an afterthought, they've done a great job here.

    Scrolling through the user reviews, it once again seems like most of the negative reviews are just review bombs trying to tank the score with a big fat 0. Do people not realize that this just makes the user review average useless? A lot of the review bombers seem to be complaining about something called "wokeness" which seems to mean something like... letting black actors play characters in a fantasy world? Good times guys.

    That said, I'm sure there are people who prefer grimdark fantasy and are disappointed by the lighthearted, young-adult-fantasy tone of this story that is about 50% comedy, 30% adventure and mystery, 10% fight scenes and 10% innocent romance. For those folks there's already watching the first 5-7 seasons of Game of Thrones... and then making up your own ending. Does anyone really expect a more serious tone in a follow up to the movie Willow?    … Expand
  2. bac2sq1
    Jan 6, 2023
    10
    I loved the original movie, and this series seamlessly continues the saga of our hero, Willow, albeit somewhat farther in the future! I'm so happy they brought back the original lead into the role, otherwise it would have simply been another botched attempt at breathing new life into a dead horse. Getting lost in the adventurous quest filled with fantasy and magic, is, in my opinion, aI loved the original movie, and this series seamlessly continues the saga of our hero, Willow, albeit somewhat farther in the future! I'm so happy they brought back the original lead into the role, otherwise it would have simply been another botched attempt at breathing new life into a dead horse. Getting lost in the adventurous quest filled with fantasy and magic, is, in my opinion, a great way to spend time watching an episode. And although I'm a huge JRR Tolkien fan, this beats the LOTR TV series hands down!… Expand
  3. thelittlenah
    Jan 18, 2023
    10
    Essa série é perfeita . Fantasia super gostosinha de assistir vibe anos 80/90. Merece mais temporadas
  4. Overdonderd
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    I love it. Anyone crying about gay characters needs to get over themselves and get with the times. It's almost 2023 ffs. How are people still so backwards?
  5. ArieA
    Nov 30, 2022
    10
    More Warwick Davis anything is a 10.
  6. colonelmullen
    Jan 19, 2023
    10
    A beautiful fantasy series that unexpectedly was as lighthearted and full of fun adventure as the original film with characters that are all likeable with compelling storylines and a wonderful plot that has me looking forward to the next season especially with the buildup to that last scene in the finale. We need more of this type of fantasy series that isn't dark and full of drama. WhileA beautiful fantasy series that unexpectedly was as lighthearted and full of fun adventure as the original film with characters that are all likeable with compelling storylines and a wonderful plot that has me looking forward to the next season especially with the buildup to that last scene in the finale. We need more of this type of fantasy series that isn't dark and full of drama. While those aren't bad, we have enough of those. This was a breath of fresh air.… Expand
  7. Navider
    Dec 27, 2022
    9
    GREAT STORYLINE! I've been a big fan of Willow since i first saw the movie in the late 80's and i'm glad it has been brought back.
  8. SpacemanCap
    Jan 11, 2023
    9
    Great Show! If you are looking for a solid high fantasy show watch Willow! Each episode felt like it’s own mini or side quest while still progressing the overall quest for the show. A must watch.
  9. HansV
    Dec 1, 2022
    8
    I found these two episodes lighthearted and a pleasure to watch.
    The European medieval setting is also not made unreal for political correctness reasons.
    There is some faint girl girl action, but it feels natural and not out of place. Yes, one could complain that in a series that’s a lot about physical fighting, men are clearly underrepresented and women in that area vastly made too    I found these two episodes lighthearted and a pleasure to watch.
    The European medieval setting is also not made unreal for political correctness reasons.
    There is some faint girl girl action, but it feels natural and not out of place.
    Yes, one could complain that in a series that’s a lot about physical fighting, men are clearly underrepresented and women in that area vastly made too powerful, but it‘s all nicely put together. So I am complaining only a little. 8 of 10.
    I very much look forward to what’s coming.    … Expand
  10. Ulrich4
    Dec 8, 2022
    8
    The show is very nice. It's loyal to the events narrated in the original movie and updated with the times that we're living in. It starts slowly but it gets its pace throughout the episodes. Don't let the unfair too low reviews prejudge the watch.
  11. Bibliographer
    Dec 1, 2022
    7
    Enjoyable, well-made and well-acted, if not highly original. A fun high fantasy with some good performances. Perhaps a bit stereotypical or predictable — but with enough nuances, uncertainty and shades of grey to keep it interesting. Definitely worthwhile for those who enjoy the genre, with several good performers worth watching.
  12. Kai82
    Jun 17, 2023
    6
    It hit my „So bad its good spots“ so that I enjoyed it more than others. However I will not claim it is a good show as there are a lot of WTF moments, bad decisions and scenes that do not work well. As info: I watched the Willow movie and even read the book trilogy by Chis Claremont which I would recommend (if you can get past the initial shock). It is set approx 20 years after the eventsIt hit my „So bad its good spots“ so that I enjoyed it more than others. However I will not claim it is a good show as there are a lot of WTF moments, bad decisions and scenes that do not work well. As info: I watched the Willow movie and even read the book trilogy by Chis Claremont which I would recommend (if you can get past the initial shock). It is set approx 20 years after the events of the movie. Here we get the first problems. They could not get Val Kilmer back as Madmartigan so he disappeared before the events of the story. Even more Willow and Sorsha had a fallout as she made the moronic decision to hide Elora Danan instead of letting Willow teach her magic. I know it worked for Luke but 15 years of training and she could blast through all obstacles and enemies with ease (Which would be boring to be fair). At least give a better explanation. As Sorshas and Madmartigans son is kidnapped her daughter Kit and companions start a journey to save her brother, kingdom and even might find clues for her fathers disappearance. On paper this sounds awesome and the story has its moments. Sadly there is a lot of bad stuff too. They introduce for example 2 characters to get removed immediately for character motivations sake, use modern music that breaks immersion, characters act because the story says so and they lack good writing. The actors deliver a good performance for the genre. Don’t claim the original is a Shakespearean play. I wont blame them for anything. Maybe the writing could be better but then again I am not sure how much was forced on the writer either. Overall while I enjoyed it I repeat that it is not good. I translate my “So bad its good” to a 6/10.… Expand
  13. UncleWillard
    Nov 30, 2022
    6
    To the users who are giving it a ten just to counter the ones who automatically gave it a 0, GFY! You're no different than they are. This is in no way a 10, nor is it a 0. You're both wrong. I'm at a 6 now, but see potential.

    Episode 1: so far I like everyone but Kit (ironic that they made a big deal about her being gay then made her annoying af). I did like how they shifted focus right    To the users who are giving it a ten just to counter the ones who automatically gave it a 0, GFY! You're no different than they are. This is in no way a 10, nor is it a 0. You're both wrong. I'm at a 6 now, but see potential.

    Episode 1: so far I like everyone but Kit (ironic that they made a big deal about her being gay then made her annoying af). I did like how they shifted focus right at the end, though. Hopefully her character shows some growth. I love how she gave a big speech about women and choices, but then immediately tries to tell Elora she has none.

    Way to rip-off the credits style from Britannica!    … Expand
  14. RobbyP
    Dec 1, 2022
    5
    Beautiful visuals and effects, but the dialogue sounds like something out of a YA fantasy franchise and the acting leaves much to be desired.
  15. Dee-Jay_Deli
    Dec 17, 2022
    5
    4 episodes in, and yeah, this isn't good. It wants to be a more lighhearted take on fantasy, with a little self-awarness. But that requires likable characters, good jokes and appreciation for the source material. This show has little of that. The actors don't seem too invested, outside of Ellie Bamber who does a good job. Warwick Davis especially seems to be reading lines from a4 episodes in, and yeah, this isn't good. It wants to be a more lighhearted take on fantasy, with a little self-awarness. But that requires likable characters, good jokes and appreciation for the source material. This show has little of that. The actors don't seem too invested, outside of Ellie Bamber who does a good job. Warwick Davis especially seems to be reading lines from a teleprompter in a lot of scenes and his casual delivery is off-putting.

    On top of that, it lacks good, consistent world-building, characters arcs and a sense of danger and stakes. Really the 101 of good fantasy story-telling.    … Expand
  16. Pan_Krytyk
    Dec 11, 2022
    5
    Niezła kontynuacja filmu z lat 80... Lucas ma łeb na karku tworząc swoje filmy.
  17. Limandreluis
    Dec 1, 2022
    4
    Bad acting and generic 'story'. Just another excuse to try and indoctrinate people instead of taking us out of this stupid world into the realm of fantasy, wonder, imagination.
  18. sabzilla88
    Dec 8, 2022
    4
    I'm going to watch the whole series because I'm a fan of the original Willow and love Warwick Davis. Boorman is a fun character and enjoyable to watch. But the reason I gave this new series a 4 (and not 8) is for one reason alone. Where the hell is the main willow theme tune? That's the reason why I turned it on in the first place? Without the main Willow soundtrack this new show is dead.I'm going to watch the whole series because I'm a fan of the original Willow and love Warwick Davis. Boorman is a fun character and enjoyable to watch. But the reason I gave this new series a 4 (and not 8) is for one reason alone. Where the hell is the main willow theme tune? That's the reason why I turned it on in the first place? Without the main Willow soundtrack this new show is dead. Yeah maybe it might play towards the end or some epic point but come I wanted an epic opening visual along with the Willow theme. Come on guys, like why wouldn't you do that? Huge mistake.… Expand
  19. DaveAus
    Dec 2, 2022
    3
    Like so many recent sequels and reboots from Disney. It suffers from cringe writing and eye rolling casting. This show apparently wasn't worth the effort by Disney and it isn't worth your effort as the audience to give it a chance.
  20. AstroCat
    Nov 30, 2022
    2
    A total wasted opportunity, sad really. Overtaking by misguided and spiteful direction.
  21. snorkiss
    Dec 1, 2022
    2
    Is it woke? You bet - but it's also badly written and badly acted and further cements Disney as a corporation in decline and one becoming further and further estranged from their core audience - 2 stars for Warwick Davis
  22. BigBardo
    Dec 2, 2022
    2
    The visuals and scenery in this is great but it is iffset by what is becoming the standard woke crapolla being put out these days of masculine females and feminine men with some LGBTQ thrown in for good measure. Struggled through one episode but it got worse and worse and I know it's fantasy but there is believable fantasy and unbelievable fantasy and this definately falls into the laterThe visuals and scenery in this is great but it is iffset by what is becoming the standard woke crapolla being put out these days of masculine females and feminine men with some LGBTQ thrown in for good measure. Struggled through one episode but it got worse and worse and I know it's fantasy but there is believable fantasy and unbelievable fantasy and this definately falls into the later along with a poorly written script. I won't be watching any more of woke Willow.… Expand
  23. SillyMetalhead
    Dec 4, 2022
    2
    Your show is in really big trouble if most of the positive reviews are actually left just to attack the show's critics and give it the highest "take that!" rating. At this point, Woillow is a typical twitter shipping bait show that tries to mask a highly clichéd and lazily written plot and pandering to a very specific audience with claims of representation, relevance and, let's be honest,Your show is in really big trouble if most of the positive reviews are actually left just to attack the show's critics and give it the highest "take that!" rating. At this point, Woillow is a typical twitter shipping bait show that tries to mask a highly clichéd and lazily written plot and pandering to a very specific audience with claims of representation, relevance and, let's be honest, subsequent accusations of homophobia by the show's critics.

    We've already seen it a bunch of times and I wouldn't be surprised if we see more. The showrunners are just using the old cult IPs to get their fanfiction to be watched and discussed, even if it's mostly caused by outrageous mockery of the original shows. Well, at least they'll be able to portray the victim in the mainstream media.    … Expand
  24. samichsupernova
    Dec 3, 2022
    1
    You wonder how George Lucas feels. On the one hand, four billion dollars. On the other hand, everything you ever worked towards or cared about is completely destroyed by talentless hacks. I would probably have just kept my company rather than see the innocent story I worked on be turned to this. There is a book about what actually happened after Willow, by the way. Look that up instead,You wonder how George Lucas feels. On the one hand, four billion dollars. On the other hand, everything you ever worked towards or cared about is completely destroyed by talentless hacks. I would probably have just kept my company rather than see the innocent story I worked on be turned to this. There is a book about what actually happened after Willow, by the way. Look that up instead, it's a better story.… Expand
  25. cybermonkey
    Dec 4, 2022
    1
    It's bad. So very, very bad. Bad writing, bad acting, unlikeable characters.
  26. Chancewi
    Dec 12, 2022
    1
    Loved the OG movie and this is nothing more then REALLY REALLY bad fan fiction.
  27. Goreminister
    Dec 7, 2022
    0
    Okay, 1st Episode, 30min. in and I already know what this is leading to. Yes, you are right. Another deconstruction of a beloved 80s movie. Save your lifetime. This TV Series isn't worth it... I won't continue watching... Sad, but true... Again.
  28. enut_butter
    Nov 30, 2022
    0
    It’s modern Disney so you already know it’s going to be a soulless nightmare made by people who hate the IP, but this was bad even for them. Childish writing. Atrocious acting. Terrible CGI. An absolute disaster of a show.
  29. Cutloso
    Dec 2, 2022
    0
    Troll dung
    Pros: The visuals look great.
    Cons: The writing is Attack of the Clones meets the CW. The acting relies on the writing. The acting is bad. No consistency with accents. The queen's children are weak, spoiled brats that we are to believe are the stuff of heroes. The script reads like a virtue signaling checklist. The plot is dreadful. I'd write more but my minimum    Troll dung
    Pros: The visuals look great.
    Cons: The writing is Attack of the Clones meets the CW.
    The acting relies on the writing.
    The acting is bad.
    No consistency with accents.
    The queen's children are weak, spoiled brats that we are to believe are the stuff of heroes.
    The script reads like a virtue signaling checklist.
    The plot is dreadful.
    I'd write more but my minimum character limit has been achieved.
    I was super psyched to see this. The original film- for all its cheese- is very entertaining. This sequel is less than a shadow of a "peck".
    Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones (excluding the dismal last season) paved the way for great fantasy cinema but instead, we've been plagued with Wheel of Time, Rings of Power and now Willow.
    Fantasy films/TV series need a savior.    … Expand
  30. Clutcher
    Dec 2, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. WTF
    When I was a kid, I loved the movie. This TV series is nothing like the movie. The editing, the dialogue, the acting, the storyline are all awful. It literally checked off all the boxes for millennial wokeness in the first 20 minutes of the first episode. And as a kicker, the attempted humor is both awkward and flat. The story is about rescuing a prince, yet there seems to be no actual urgency or deep enough concern in the first two episodes to actually rush to wherever it is they need to be in order to do the rescuing. They just spend time in some woods bickering at one another and dealing with their feelings and emotions over whether or not they are good enough to live the lives they dreamed of, not the ones their parents want them to lead. Oh the millennial drama! It's so anti adventure that I'm going to have to pass on the rest of the season. But for those of you who do want a modern millennialesque saga complete with coming of age and overly sensitive dialogue and themes set in a fantasyland, you might want to stick it out.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Nov 30, 2022
    80
    I still wish that "Willow" were as consistently electric from the start as it eventually becomes from the third episode onward. Then again, if "Willow" takes a couple of episodes to find its greatness, perhaps the story's spirit dictates that is as it should be.
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  2. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Nov 30, 2022
    60
    The new “Willow” feels a little fan-fiction-y. Some will surely lap it up, but I can’t imagine this series, despite its big budget, registering in the pop culture zeitgeist in the same way “Star Wars” and Marvel shows on Disney+ sometimes do.
    Read full review
  3. CNN
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Nov 30, 2022
    70
    Consumed on its own unpretentious terms, it’s easy enough to like.
    Read full review
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