Just a delightful movie
I was involved in the scripting for 'Willa' (you'll see my name listed under 'thanks also to' ;) and it was a wonderful challenge to my creativity and to Mr. Davenport's entire team. The first half of the story was created more or less in Email by committee - myself, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Manley, and a friend named Paul Findlay, plus to a smaller extent a couple of other people. Then halfway through, Mr. Davenport brought in the brilliant (credited) playwright who *really* pulled the story together from the elements we'd begun with, plus a lot of things of his own. I was in a Gilbert & Sullivan and Shakespeare kick at the time; you can see that elements made it in (though not the ones I'd suggested - still, it's always nice to see classic literature worked into childrens' movies, to introduce them to the Great Works.)

One of the funniest things I remember from the first half of the scripting period was an email from Mr. Manley, saying he wouldn't be surprised if some mud men flew down in a UFO powered by absinthe, and kidnapped Willa. Obviously none of those elements made it into the finished product. ;)

I'm an especial fan of Mark Jaster, the 'huntsman' in 'Willa' - also the mysterious little man/one of the demons haunting the house in 'Soldier Jack.

I realise this doesn't tell much about the movie, except how much fun I had helping - in my own little way - to bring it into existence. It was fun to help create, and it's fun to watch. I think the world of Mr. Davenport and all his From The Brothers Grimm films. My children are a little young yet to watch Willa, so it's waiting on the shelf a few more years yet.

Willa :An American Snow White
There are no friendly little men in this dark adaptation of the well know children's fairy tale. As a whole, I found it to be exremely dark and the music was strange and eerie. Some of the scenes involving Regina were disturbing, to say the least. (ie she burns alive) Not for children.

My favorite rendition of Snow White
I'll admit that Snow White has always been my least favorite of the popular fairy tales, such as the ones treated by Disney. This film has helped me see the story in a new light. Willa does not spend her time dancing with cute little creatures and quietly waiting for her prince to come. The dynamics of her relationship with her stepmother, Otto (a butler) and the members of a traveling roadshow make this film interesting as well as entertaining. I also enjoyed the elements of the story about vanity, acting and Shakespeare. Although I was familiar with the tale, I found myself wondering how this story would end. The film has suspense, humor, and intelligence. Don't miss it.

Tom Davenport has been creating fairy tale films set in the United States for over 20 years. This is one of his best. It appeared on PBS on Christmas Day 1999 so many people missed it. Now with the movie on video, you can see it, too.

Delightful and Endearing! A Great Movie!
I discovered this by sheer accident. Great cast, creative story, something for the whole family. Some parts are genuinely upsetting, ie. wicked stepmother Regina and the "death" of Willa from the apple. On the whole, romantic, witty, moving, and thouroughly entertaining! YOU WON"T BE SORRY! BUY THIS VIDEO!