“Willow,”Disney+’s entry in the big streaming fantasy sweepstakes of 2022, may initially seem like a Disney Channel version of “Rings of Power” or “House of the Dragon.” Too many young people doing over-expressive, unconvincing acting while blabbingdialogue that’s more “90210” than 900 CE.
Get through the premiere episode, though, and you’ll be rewarded with a little magic. The actors calm down and their teenage characters develop compelling dimensions; the action and world-building grow more awesome each week; and self-mocking humor lends a freshness absent from the super-serious Prime Video and HBO mega-productions — even the anachronistic lines start sounding natural. Plus there’s cursing, and Beach Boys and punk music on the soundtrack.
A sequel to the George Lucas-conceived, Ron Howard-directed 1988 movie, the series is overseen by writer-producer Jonathan Kasdan. He’s scripted “Dawson’s Creek” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story,”and “Willow” exhibits the strengths and weaknesses of both. There’s charm but lots of self-absorption, as adolescent crushes and rivalries emerge along a well-worn quest trail. The fantasy settings — haunted castle, abandoned city of titanic statues, a Shattered Sea an inch of water deep to the horizon — are both visual knockouts and narratively well-used. But after a while, endless mythic rules, spells and groups of new characters have a numbing effect.
As for the title wizard, he’s once again played by the great Warwick Davis. Willow Ufgood is now leader of the Nelwyn little people, but his sorcerizingsupremacy has seen better days. While prominent in many scenes, and buoyed by the magnetic Davis’ expert linereadings, Willow is more of a Yoda/sidekick figure here, peripheral to the young folks’ dramas.
And what dramas they are.
2nd-generation fans bring ‘Willow’ back for Disney+ series
Airk (Dempsey Bryk), the playboy prince of Tir Asleen, is kidnapped by monstrous minions of the Withered Crone, prompting Queen Sorsha (Joanne Whalley, repeating her 1988 role) to send a rescue party.
Searchers include the very solid Ruby Cruz (“Mare of Easttown”) as Kit, Airk’s twin sister; the fight trainer she’s in love with, Jade (Erin Kellyman, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”); and the cowardly, semi-psychic Prince Graydon (Tony Revolori from the latest batch of “Spider-Man” and Wes Anderson movies). Kitis betrothed to the latter but, obviously, not interested in him that way.
Tagging along is a strawberry blonde kitchen maid (Ellie Bamber), convinced that she and Airk are soulmates. She goes by many names; Muffinis my favorite. Graydon is more into her than he ever was his unresponsive fiancee. Their back-and-forth becomes “Willow’s” wisest and best-played relationship; the sweet lesbian romance is a close second.
Val Kilmer’s health prevented him from reprising the film’s Madmartigan, Kit and Airk’s mercenary dad. Rascally swashbuckler duties have been turned over to Mad’s shady former colleagues Boorman (Amar Chadha-Patel, doing an impressive, multifaceted take) and a surprise guest who overdoes the eccentricity in episode six.
Throughout the series, the fate of the movie’s now-grown baby sorceress, Elora Danan, is intertwined with the whole world’s. There’s a lot more lore to swallow and atmospheric gore to help wash it down. Prepare to encounter wererats, bone reivers, mudmanders and a worm-worshiping cult whose symbol is a swirly swastika.
The series’ directors hail from the likes of “Outlander” and “The Sandman.” They know how to make the most of sweeping Wales locations, and a budget that, while a fraction that of “Rings of Power,” was no pittance. Even when it’s underlit a la “Dragon,” “Willow” is never less than dripping with atmosphere.
The saga’s greatest triumphs, though, are its young characters’ personal discoveries. As they roam fantastic settings, their true quests become existential. The aging, iconic wizard learns much about himself, too, making for a gratifyingly relatable mystic adventure.
M“Willow”:Fantasy. Starring Warwick Davis, Ellie Bamber and Ruby Cruz. Created by Jonathan Kasdan. (TV-14. Eight 45-60 minute episodes.) First two episodes available to stream on Disney+ starting Wednesday, Nov. 30. Subsequent episodes released Wednesdays through Jan. 11.