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Featured on AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon
Four kids make a mysterious discovery on their home planet that leads them to become 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 entertains Neel’s little brothers is the same one Chewbacca’s family sees in the infamous The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978). Cast: Silly Old Deadly Bear (2022). Although Skeleton Crew is aimed at kids to appeal to the next generation of Star Wars fans, it surprisingly appeals to older viewers as well.
Luckily, the ship comes with a rickety droid to help guide them
In this Star Wars series, four kids discover a starship buried in the forest of At Attin, a peaceful and prosperous planet hidden in a galaxy filled with pirates, greed, and chaos. Dreaming of adventure (at least some of it), the kids accidentally activate the ship and end up lost on the other side of the galaxy. But since the kids have lived a sheltered life, they often get into trouble. While it’s unmistakably Star Wars, Skeleton Crew feels like an ’80s kids adventure movie (think The Goonies), but set in space. For longtime fans, it’s packed with nostalgic touches, from the crew and spaceships to the alien creatures, all reminiscent of the original trilogy.
These little details keep you hooked and eager to see more
Hardcore fans will also love the many Easter eggs scattered throughout, which bring back fond memories of the franchise’s early days. I especially appreciated seeing younger versions of various alien species we know from past films. It makes the galaxy feel more connected, proving that some alien races are a constant presence rather than one-off appearances. There are also fun cameos, like a brief glimpse of a child who resembles a young Kylo Ren. Jude Law, the cast’s biggest star, doesn’t appear until the end of the second episode, so it’s hard to judge the overall quality of the acting right off the bat.
The young actors, though less experienced, do a decent job
Two of the lead 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 his performance difficult to assess, and another wears a cybernetic visor that hides much of his facial expression, bringing to mind Geordi La Forge from Star Trek. The production quality is top-notch, with Disney’s budget clearly on display. The special effects are impeccable and leave nothing to criticize. However, the episodes are fairly short, and the long (over five-minute) end credits seem excessive.
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With only eight episodes in the season, I’m worried that the story won’t progress much unless the pace picks up significantly. Despite these concerns, Skeleton Crew has been a pleasant surprise. It’s fun, nostalgic, and appealing to viewers of all ages. I’m excited to see where the story goes, and I’m glad it offers something even for adult fans of the Star Wars universe. «One Hundred Years of Solitude» is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month.