28/49
It features the crazy characters from the AniMat cartoons: Stupid Old Killer Bear (2022)
Four kids make a mysterious discovery on their home planet that leaves them lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Jude Law in “Skeleton Crew” plus more stars from a galaxy far, far away. The holographic circus that Neel’s younger siblings play in is reminiscent of Chewbacca’s family hour in the infamous Star Wars holiday special (1978). Although Skeleton Crew is aimed at children and is meant to attract the next generation of Star Wars fans, it surprisingly appeals to older viewers as well. In this Star Wars series, four kids discover a buried spaceship in the Attin Forest, a peaceful and prosperous planet hidden in a galaxy full of pirates, greed and chaos.
But since the kids lead sheltered lives, they often get into trouble
The kids, at least some of them, dream of adventure and accidentally activate the ship and get lost on the other side of the galaxy. Luckily, there’s a crashed droid on board the ship to help guide them. While distinctly Star Wars, Skeleton Crew feels like a child of an 80s adventure movie – think The Goonies – it’s set in space. For long-time fans, it’s full of nostalgic touches, from the hardware and spaceships to the alien creatures, all reminiscent of the original trilogy. Hardcore fans will also love the numerous Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the game that bring back fond memories of the series’ early days.
The young actors, though less experienced, do a good job
I was especially pleased to see younger versions of the alien species from the previous films. The galaxy feels more connected, showing that some of the alien species are a permanent presence rather than a one-off. There are also a few funny cameos, like a boy who looks like a young Kylo Ren. It’s these little details that keep you hooked and wanting to discover more. Jude Law, the biggest star of the cast, doesn’t appear until the end of the second episode, so it’s hard to judge the overall quality of the acting at first.
The special effects are impeccable and there is nothing to complain about
The two main kids stand out and remind me of the performances in classics like The Goonies and Stand by Me. One of the four kids is a non-human alien, making it difficult to judge the acting, and the other wears cybernetic goggles that cover most of his facial expressions, reminiscent of Geordie La Forge from Star Trek. The production quality is excellent – notch, the Disney budget is clearly visible. The episodes are quite short, however, and the long ending – over five minutes – seems excessive. I fear that after only eight episodes of the season, the story will not develop much unless the pace picks up significantly.
Funny, nostalgic, and engaging for all ages
Despite these concerns, Skeleton Crew was a pleasant surprise. I can’t wait to see where this story goes, and I’m glad it has something to offer even adult fans of the Star Wars universe. One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the biggest TV and streaming releases of the month. Check out our December calendar for more details!