Willow (1988)

Rating: ****
Producer: George Lucas
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: George Lucas
Music: James Horner
Cast: Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Billy Barty, Jean Marsh

A visually stunning fantasy piece full of magic and wonder. Underdog and apprentice sorcerer Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) retrieves a human baby from the river and is charged to return her to the nearest human village. However, the humans are also seeking the child because she is prophecied to bring down the evil rule of the wicked witch Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). Willow hooks up with a master swordsman named Madmartigan (wickedly handsome Val Kilmer) and together they share many fantastic adventures in their quest to protect the child and destroy Bavmorda. The look and feel of the film is great, and the effects and action sequences are top notch. The film only falls apart with the inclusion of two annoying brownies who provide lame jokes and comedic relief to the otherwise serious-minded film.