A Star Wars adventure for fans of “The Goonies”
A C ERTAIN POINT OF V IEW BY
NATHANIEL U NDERWOOD REPORTER
“Skeleton Crew” is the latest Star Wars show on Disney’s streaming service, one that I’ve been somewhat surprised by. Most of the information that we had going into the show definitely made it sound like it was being designed for a younger audience, and while that certainly holds true, there’s enough here for even a jaded adult like myself to enjoy.
You see, Skeleton Crew gives off the vibes of those coming of age movies from the 80s. “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial,' 'The Goonies” or “Stand by Me.” Similar to the first season of “Stranger Things,” (though perhaps not as effectively), “Skeleton Crew” clearly is taking inspiration from these films that put a largely normal group of kids, plucking them from their suburban lives and putting them on an extraordinary adventure.
It’s a formula that largely works, especially over the first three episodes, as four kids from the sheltered planet of At Attin are suddenly thrust into an adventure across the galaxy after accidentally activating an old pirate ship that they discovered in the nearby woods. They must dodge alien pirates, decode old star maps, and get in a fair few scrapes as they try to unravel the mystery behind their planet and get back home. The plot is nothing mind blowing, but it is serviceable and, importantly, fun.
The characters are likeable, which is more than many from the recent “The Acolyte” series could say, and while the acting from the kids can sometimes be a bit stiff, it rarely detracts from the experience. Once again, the direction here seems very similar to that of “The Goonies” or “E.T.” in the way that the group interacts with each other.
Jude Law as a mysterious Force sensitive pirate they help rescue is fine as the only adult in the room, but there has not really been anything too spectacular from the character yet, though there certainly is potential. The standout here is, at least for me, the old pirate droid SM-33 that the crew finds on the ship. He is equal parts loveable and a force to be reckoned with and, like many Star Wars droids before him, he often steals the show in whatever scene he is in.
There are some issues, of course. The show sometimes leans a bit too hard into the aesthetic of the movies it is trying to emulate, especially when it comes to the planet of At Attin. The architecture looks like an American suburb from the 1980s or 90s with a bit of Star Wars flair thrown in, which just feels a bit…off. The story and vibes would have still worked with a more Star Wars-y designed city and this is just one example of the show wearing its influences on its sleeve too boldly. Still, there is just enough weirdness with the surveillance droids and the strange government of At Attin that it still works, if just barely.
The biggest thing holding “Skeleton Crew” back is whether there will be anything unique enough about this show to elevate it to the level of the movies that it takes its influences from or even a show like “Stranger Things.” Because it relies so heavily on trying to evoke the same feelings as “The Goonies” or similar films, it will be compared as such, and so far it hasn’t really done anything to separate itself other than it being set in the Star Wars galaxy.
Still, it’s a fun time and, unlike most of the Disney+ shows, it does not seem to take itself overly seriously, nor is it directly connected to the overall story of the Star Wars saga. It is a stand alone adventure (so far) that harkens to some of the Star Wars novels written in the 90s, something that has not really been replicated by Disney since they took over, outside of the first season of the Mandalorian. Despite its many influences, its hopeful adventure vibe still feels fresh among a stable of Star Wars shows that hold a more serious tone.
