Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

I'm approaching this review cautiously, acknowledging that 'Skeleton Crew' appears to be targeted towards a younger audience. While children may enjoy it, I found the first four episodes quite underwhelming.

The story lacks depth, feeling more like a children's movie that jumps from location to location without much consequence. The war backdrop feels superficial, and the action sequences lack the impact they should have.

The acting, while not terrible, could be stronger, especially considering the caliber of some of the cast members. Even Jude Law, at times, seems to be phoning it in.

The production design is impressive, but it can't save a story that feels slow-paced and ultimately rather forgettable.

Perhaps the series improves later on, but based on my initial viewing, I remain unconvinced. Please prove me wrong!

This is a Star Wars show mostly for kids heavily inspired by old Disney movies for children like Treasure Island. Unfortunately, the show has little of theose movies' rugged charm or innocent sense of adventure. Most of the show is carried by Jude Law's rock-solid acting performance as the mystery man of questionable motives and morals. Along the way we meet a bunch of pirates, a cute owl alien, a couple of space ships (including some X-wings) and a scruffy android who talks like a first mate from a pirate ship.

Ah, yes, there's a bunch of kids in there, too. They accidentaly leave their planet, fly around in a space ship and get home again.

The entire show is so completely inoffensive and devoid of anything even remotely challenging the viewers' mental capacities that it passes by in a muffled blur. It's neither bad nor good. It's just there and then it's over.

Watched the first two episodes and while there is a clear effort to create a "goonies in space" show here, what is so wrong with that? This is a much different take on a story existing in the Star Wars universe. I enjoyed the look and feel of what a suburban town looks like in this world because we have never really seen that. The town they come from reminded me more of the neighborhood from E. T. then anything we had seen recently in shows. The 4 main characters are typical but enjoyable, they each have their clearly defined roles in the group and are acted well by the actors. The pirate vibe isn't necessarily something we have seen played out before and adds a slightly spooky element and an atmosphere of danger. If this was a movie from the 80s it would have fit right in. Enjoying it so far for the new story telling elements in the Star Wars universe, the hints of nostalgia of movies of my childhood, and the fact I can share this Star Wars experience with my kids. Well done!

I cannot for the life of me understand why Obi Wan and The Acolyte look cheaper than this show. From a production standpoint Skeleton Crew has been the first Star Wars show in a while that feels expansive, full and fun.

For all the lack of passion that's been felt as an audience member of Star Wars for some time, the last place I'd expect to feel this IP redeem itself was a kids series. My favourite Star Wars films/shows have always been the darker ones, Episode 5, 3, Andor, some parts of Rogue One and the Mandalorian. But Skeleton Crew captures a perspective that's been sorely missed from Star Wars - kids.

I feel a sense of wonder, adventure and stakes I've not enjoyed from this universe in some time. It's also, rather exhaustingly, the only thoughtfully directed show they've put out besides Andor and a decent handful of The Mandalorian. There's actual scenes, actual character growth, mis en scene that's telling story instead of just looking 'Star Wars.' Star Wars has always been for kids as much as adults - the irony is it took them to make a kids show remind us that basic story telling craft still exists as Disney. Please keep making shows like this for kids, and please keep making shows like Andor for adults. It's the riding the middle that's continuously tanked the tone of other entries - Obi Wan is a perfect example. It had no idea who its audience was, and committed poorly to trying to fit in everyone. Boba Fett is another example that springs to mind.

Kudos to the showrunners for bringing something fresh to Star Wars. Sure, heavily influenced by the kids on bikes era - but a fresh take in this universe joyfully received by myself and my partner.

Since I know a lot of hate will be directed towards this show because of the up-and-down of recent Star Wars, I'm happy to say that this is an up. So far...

The first 2 episodes don't tread new ground, or very original, but that's not a bother, since it delivers well on everything. The cast and their acting are great, costume/set design are probably the best we've seen since Andor, the writing, especially the hilarious banter between the kids, was good. Again, nothing new, but it's intriguing nonetheless, and I'm excited to keep watching. It gives me heavy Treasure Planet vibes.

As someone who hasn't enjoyed recent Star Wars myself, I was surprised by Skeleton Crew. I do hope that everyone slightly interested, or even upset with recent shows, gives it a chance. Don't let the "for kids," talk put you off. Star Wars is made for all, and so is this.