Each few months, Disney+ invitations us again to a galaxy far, distant. Whereas we haven’t gotten a brand new Star Wars film since 2019, we’ve gotten a plethora of content material set on this well-known franchise. The latest addition? Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which is a coming-of-age present that follows 4 youngsters who find yourself on an journey to make their manner dwelling after being misplaced within the galaxy. Very like with the MCU, Disney+ has been a platform for franchises to experiment with many alternative types. This new present is nothing like The Mandalorian, The Guide of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, or The Acolyte.
The primary three episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew promise a enjoyable, low-stakes journey into the galaxy we all know and love. Those that have seen the trailers could also be apprehensive a few present that doesn’t really feel very very similar to Star Wars. And whereas Jude Legislation portrays a Drive-wielder, the present positively has a really totally different really feel all through. The purpose is much less to make an epic blockbuster however extra to make a traditional ’80s journey. Within the vein of previous Amblin motion pictures like E.T. the Additional-Terrestrial and The Goonies, we’ve got a gaggle of youngsters residing their extraordinary lives earlier than discovering the extraordinary.
Set after Return of the Jedi, this collection reimagines the Star Wars galaxy by means of the eyes of youngsters. It’s an attention-grabbing take as a result of it appears like a childlike journey that solely occurs to be set in a world we all know and love. Once we’re first launched to our predominant characters, they don’t seem to be too acquainted with all the things we’ve seen from the galaxy. Wim, performed by Ravi Cabot-Conyers, desires to be a Jedi and is amazed when he believes he has found a Jedi temple in his small city. Nevertheless, his father is preoccupied with work and doesn’t consider him, which leaves Wim to analyze along with his buddy Neel (Robert Timothy Smith).
A toddler’s take a look at the world gives optimism that not each Star Wars protagonist has. They’ve a surprise to them that additionally comes with totally different priorities and unhealthy selections. Whereas most Star Wars motion pictures and exhibits are about political battles, oppression, and crime, this present has characters frightened about being late for college, taking checks, and looking for enjoyable in an unremarkable place. It’s a brand new taste that Jon Watts brings right here, much like what he did with the Spider-Man motion pictures he directed for the MCU. This present is created by Watts and Christopher Ford, who had beforehand collaborated on Clown, Cop Automotive, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. They convey a brand new taste to Star Wars that feels welcome to the franchise.
We’re much less centered on Jedi, Sith, the Empire, and the Rebel on this present. However Star Wars: Skeleton Crew doesn’t want it; we’ve got area pirates, blasters, and the Drive. That is undeniably a Star Wars present, even when many scenes and conditions really feel new. The pacing all through the primary three episodes is superb, and the present picks up an increasing number of as we introduce new characters. A flaw that Skeleton Crew has early on is that the protagonist, Wim, is consistently making unhealthy selections that propel the story ahead. It is sensible as a result of when your character is a baby if and so they see a flashing mild, they’re going to be curious sufficient to press it; that’s what number of youngsters are.
However it may be irritating, particularly when supporting characters like Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) are a lot smarter than him. Beginning within the second episode, the present begins to introduce new characters, like a droid named SM 33, voiced by Nick Frost, and a mysterious Drive-wielding stranger performed by Legislation. From right here, the present turns into a way more entertaining ensemble piece, even when it appears like the event of the youngsters involves a little bit of a standstill. The present spends extra time creating its story and background of their world than it does creating every of the children as folks. Nevertheless, this challenge might hopefully be addressed in later episodes of the present.
Whereas Star Wars: Skeleton Crew can really feel low stakes in comparison with the remainder of the galaxy, it is a present a few group of misplaced children who must return dwelling. Yow will discover your self getting extra invested within the hazard since you don’t wish to see unhealthy issues occur to those youngsters, and so they typically discover themselves in environments that put them in danger. This present manages to be lighthearted and entertaining, not aiming for the best of highs and as an alternative aiming to be a enjoyable present meant for the entire household. It’s positively a extra grounded take that each one audiences can watch moderately than a darkish take a look at the seedier elements of the galaxy. It’s a present that younger youngsters can take pleasure in, however adults can take pleasure in it simply as a lot.
SCORE: 7/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a rating of seven equates to “Good.” A profitable piece of leisure that’s value testing, however it could not enchantment to everybody.
Disclosure: ComingSoon acquired screeners for our Star Wars: Skeleton Crew evaluation.
