Episode 154 - "Unless she is stopped, Bavmorda will control the lives of your village, your children, everyone. All creatures of good heart need your help, Willow. The choice is yours."

Welcome back, friends… Our journey through the strange and wonderful world of 1980s fantasy continues and this week we travel to the Nelwyn Valley and beyond as we revisit Willow — the ambitious fantasy adventure from Ron Howard and George Lucas. Host Michael Wilson is joined once again by returning guests Sandy and Michael Whaley for a lively, funny and occasionally divided discussion on one of the most beloved cult fantasy films of the decade — because while there was plenty of admiration around the table for Willow’s charm, imagination and spectacle, not everybody was entirely won over by its quest. From melting trolls and two-headed monsters to pig transformations, fairy dust, chaotic Brownies and groundbreaking morphing effects, we dive deep into the film’s unforgettable visuals, creature work and technical achievements. Along the way we discuss the film’s mythological influences, archetypes, the film’s occasionally uneven pacing, comedy choices, and whether Willow itself sometimes feels like a collection of familiar fantasy ingredients searching for a stronger identity of its own. There’s also plenty of appreciation for the cast — particularly Warwick Davis’ earnest central performance and Val Kilmer’s scene-stealing energy — alongside discussions about James Horner’s huge, bombastic score, the gloriously chaotic final battle, horrifying transformations, Harryhausen-inspired monsters and why Queen Bavmorda perhaps deserved a little more to do. But does Willow truly deserve its enduring cult status? Is it an overlooked fantasy classic elevated by heart, spectacle and imagination — or an uneven adventure that only fully comes alive in its spectacular final act? Well, there are babies, magic wands, trolls, pig monsters and Val Kilmer flirting with literally everyone. What more do you want? So grab your wand, avoid the fairy dust, and whatever you do… don’t volunteer to guard the baby.

Links: ​

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Music Composed and Performed by Al Trotter

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Created, Hosted and Written by Michael Wilson.

Edited and Produced by Mike Wilson.

"Her name is not Sticks! She's Elora Danan, the future empress of Tir Asleen and the last thing she's gonna want is a hairy chest!"