The Dreyer Drive Podcast #029 - Willow (1988)

"A podcast all about siblings and the people, places and pop culture that raised us"

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

00:00:05 - Show Opening The classic Dreyer Drive intro with Ryan's signature apology to first-time listeners

00:02:32 - Jacqueline's Dream Funeral Plans Because nothing says "dreamer" like planning your own McDonald's-catered funeral complete with Groucho Marx glasses surprise reveal in the casket. Commitment to the bit until the very end, folks.

00:04:32 - QR Code Tombstones Are Real We discover that CNN reported on high-tech tombstones back in 2012. Ryan suggests linking to the Young Guns website for maximum nostalgia value.

00:08:22 - The Great "En Masse" vs "A Mass" Debate Classic sibling disagreement over pronunciation that absolutely no one will rewind to verify (but we know you want to)

00:11:00 - MySpace Memory Lane How helping with Louis Vuitton backgrounds and customized shoe dreams brought the siblings together during peak MySpace era (2005-2008)

00:13:19 - Game Night Glory Days The legendary family game nights featuring Dallin and Balin (yes, that was actually her name), complete with Goodwill uniforms and the infamous "space goat/scapegoat" Taboo incident

00:18:32 - What's Going on in Japan? Ryan's been listening to Rick Rubin's book and having childhood realizations about thinking he knew every song and movie script

00:22:30 - Canada Day vs. July 4th The cultural differences between Canadian "let's all get along" holidays and American "bombs bursting in air" celebrations, plus Noah's excitement about cake

00:29:57 - Ecuador Prep Panic Jacqueline's daughter is moving to Ecuador and mom is spiraling with first aid kits, passport carriers, and matching suitcase requirements

00:36:52 - Ryan's Epic Japan Packing Fail The legendary story of arriving in Japan with literally handfuls of unwashed clothes, borrowed shoes, and zero preparation - then immediately trying to haggle with elderly Japanese shop owners who were NOT having it

00:43:00 - Family Code Words Discussion of the Porter family's "peanut butter jelly" emergency password and dad's doppelganger bank robber crisis

00:52:54 - FINALLY: Willow (1988) One hour in, we get to the actual topic! A deep dive into the George Lucas/Ron Howard fantasy epic that held up way better than expected

00:55:00 - Willow Plot Breakdown The story of a little person farmer who finds a special baby and goes on a hero's journey with Val Kilmer at peak hotness

01:03:05 - The "Peck" Controversy Why this made-up slur felt uncomfortable but became playground gold for 80s kids

01:07:18 - Behind the Scenes Magic

Originally called "Munchkins"

225 little people cast (biggest gathering since Wizard of Oz)

Val Kilmer married his co-star Sorsha in real life

Made for $35M, grossed $137M

01:16:42 - Ajax Connection Revealed The Willow novel was written by Drew Weyland from Oshawa, Ontario! Local boy makes good!

01:21:11 - Credits Deep Dive Ryan discovers the most specific job titles ever: Magic Consultant, Animal Arranger, Prosthetic Foam Supervisor, and the legendary POSSUM TRAINER (for a 3-second possum scene)

01:25:44 - The Pig Disaster How real pigs caused "mayhem" on set by getting frisky during battle scenes

01:29:13 - Easter Eggs & Trivia

Dragon named after movie critics Siskel & Ebert

Willow syncs with Pink Floyd's "The Wall"

Little people sang Snow White songs between takes

Baby's wig was attached with SYRUP

01:34:45 - Final Verdict Justice for Willow! This movie genuinely holds up and deserves a spot in your family movie rotation

01:35:28 - Unhinged Family Text Dragon fruit pollination by hand leads to "the talk" metaphors and Big Mac garnishes

Next week: Will Jacqueline survive sending her daughter to Ecuador? Will Ryan's dragon fruit bloom? Will we ever find out what happened to that possum trainer?

Episode Length: ~1 hour 37 minutes of pure sibling chaos

"If you've been here before, thank you for showing up again. If this is your first time... we apologize in advance."

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