The Director's Series: Ron Howard, No. 4


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

Willow (1988)
Starring: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whaley, and Jean Marsh
Director: Ron Howard
About: I mentioned before that Howard probably has the most varied filmography on this list. I mean that in terms of style and the tone of the films on this list from him. His first film was a modern blockbuster about firemen in Chicago. This is a partnership with George Lucas set in a magical world that feels like a big adventure. I like the performances here, especially the tandem of Davis and Kilmer. I like the magical world, the story elements, and the way it all plays out. This movie was my jam as a young child and it remains a magical and fun ride as an adult. I love the way Howard puts this film together and the fun that comes through the script and sequences of this film.

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