23/43
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Scenario
Four children make a mysterious discovery on their home planet that leads to them becoming lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Jude Law in “Skeleton Crew” and more stars from a galaxy far, far away. The holographic circus that entertains Neel’s young siblings is the same one Chewbacca’s family sees in the infamous “Star Wars Holiday Special” (1978). Although “Skeleton Crew” is aimed at children in order to win over the next generation of Star Wars fans, it surprisingly resonates with older viewers as well. In this Star Wars series, four children discover a buried spaceship in the woods of At Attin, a peaceful and prosperous planet hidden in a galaxy filled with pirates, greed, and chaos.
Luckily, there’s a derelict droid on the ship to show them the way
At least some of them dream of adventure – and inadvertently activate the ship and get lost on the other side of the galaxy. But since the kids live a sheltered life, they often get into trouble. While Skeleton Crew is unmistakably Star Wars, it feels like an ’80s kids’ adventure movie—think The Goonies—but set in space. For longtime fans, the film is full of nostalgic touches, from the equipment and spaceships to the alien creatures, all reminiscent of the original trilogy. Hardcore fans will also love the many Easter eggs scattered throughout, bringing back fond memories of the franchise’s early days.
These little details keep you hooked and wanting more
I especially appreciated seeing younger versions of various alien species we know from previous films. It makes the galaxy feel more connected and shows that some alien races are a constant presence rather than just appearing once. There are also fun cameos, like a brief glimpse of a boy who looks like a young Kylo Ren. Jude Law, the biggest star of the cast, doesn’t show up until the end of the second episode, so it’s difficult to judge the overall quality of the acting early on. The young actors, while less experienced, do a decent job.
The special effects are flawless, and there’s nothing to criticize
Two of the main kids stand out, reminding me of performances in classics like The Goonies or Stand by Me. One of the four kids is a non-human alien, making it difficult to judge his acting, and another wears a cybernetic visor that hides much of his facial expression, reminiscent of Geordi La Forge from Star Trek. The production quality is top-notch, and Disney’s budget is clearly evident. The episodes are fairly short, however, and the long credits – over five minutes – feel excessive. Since there are only eight episodes in the season, I worry that the story won’t progress much unless the pace picks up significantly.
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Despite these concerns, Skeleton Crew was a pleasant surprise. It’s fun, nostalgic, and exciting for viewers of all ages. I’m excited to see how the story unfolds, and I’m glad that it even has something to offer adult fans of the Star Wars universe. One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month.
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