'Kids who accidentally become pirates' might not be a dream Star Wars project for many fans eager to see old favorites and deep wounds return in abundance to explain the origins of that throwaway line in A New. Hope, but after watching the first three episodes of Skeleton Crew, the upcoming eight-episode Star Wars Disney Plus series. It feels like this is the new hope Star Wars needs, if not the new hope it needs.
The theme of the story is an adventure into a simpler age. And it is from this simplicity that the characters stand out. Four teenagers sneak out after being quarantined to discover what they think is an old Jedi temple in the forest. It turns out to be a long-buried and forgotten spaceship that was once used by a legendary pirate crew.
When the kids power up, they are catapulted through hyperspace to the Pirate Bay under the watchful eye of the ship's first mate and sole surviving crew member. A rusty droid named SM 33, they had no way to return home. And since I was home The planet is a legendary treasure kingdom. As far as the pirates on the other side of the galaxy were concerned. No one can help them either.
Skeleton Crew shows a new side of Star Wars
Skeleton Crew feels less like Star Wars than a show that would have come out in the '80s to cash in on Star Wars, with many of the standard touches like space flight. strange alien robot can talk But it feels free from other obstacles. Many more from galaxies far, far away. It does not attempt to conform to any established principles. Simply detailing the amazing adventures that take place under the Star Wars name is a breath of fresh air for the franchise at a time when it needs it.
That's not to disrespect or ignore the traditions of Star Wars. There's even a Jedi played by Jude Law who arrives at the end of the second episode. witty and charming Even though I'm often angry. But he's also a classic wandering hero. There was also a child who wished to become a Jedi. There is a lot of red tape between planets. And blasting through hyperspace, it's Star Wars.
But it seems to be interested in monotony. And that gives it a unique flavor. While other Star Wars stories worry about what Boba Fett is doing off-screen or where Obi-Wan got his sandy-brown cape, Skeleton Crew is more curious about the world. It takes us to a new planet very similar to Earth. with suburban roads lined up in beautiful rows It shows us what school is like. And most of the figures featured are blunt pencil pushers who serve as minor roadblocks rather than toy-selling bebop mascots. Everything feels more real.
Authenticity comes from the young actor.
It has been criticized for its resemblance to this world. But that feels like the point: Skeleton Crew was made for kids – all four leads are kids. No one is famous. And most scenes have just a few adults. It's more of an 'all ages' deal than Bluey is 'for kids, but no one will know if you watched it too', but this is clearly designed to cater to kids at their level. And it causes the characters to have classic problems like being grounded. failure to pass test And being ignored by your parents is the best way to do that.
Focus on children This is what gives Skeleton Crew its classic feel. The '80s were dominated by this type of children's adventure. which really has children that is truly moving Stand By Me, The Goonies, The Never-Ending Story and Adventures in Babysitting are just a few examples of this intense genre. (but short-lived) that Skeleton Crew misses
The only real analogue today is Stranger Things, which is tied to this golden age it was destined to be. And it took so long to create a feature-length episode that the cast is now in their 20s, some of them married, and some of the most famous actors in the world. If you don't remember The Goonies, just think of Skeleton. Crew is the first season of Stranger Things, but set in space.
Skeleton Crew may still have to convince viewers.
These children all acted seriously. This may have been helped by the fact that they were believed to be just children who often quarreled with each other. The characters have personalities that resonate with you because they have time to give, and the scenes feel a lot less choppy than action-heavy Star Wars adventures, making the characters feel connected to the world. Without the passenger being there to tell a story, a quote, or explain why the audience should pay attention to the specific callbacks the wedge writer cleverly made. Although the adults (Law, Kerry Condon, the aforementioned SM 33 voice actor Nick Frost) have roles, the series belongs to the kids, and they return the favor. trust that convincingly and Satisfactory performance
Skeleton Crew also brings back some good old fashioned villains. Even though the first two episodes were mostly about kids. Who have to deal with a lot of problems like missing the bus, failing a test, being parked, and having an entire spaceship blast them across hyperspace. It made them fear that they would never see their families again – they soon said. Too much for the formidable Pirate Lord. and was left to deal with the consequences.
I'm not sure from the episodes. Not even half the time I've seen whether or not this is the focus of Skeleton Crew (in the tradition of The Goonies and Stand By Me) the gang is in it. Always close to moving Always getting scratched while the real goal of returning home (More honorable than finding gold or stabbing a corpse with a stick) is within reach.
I was interested in The Acolyte for very different reasons – it seemed like it pulled off some old tricks in a new way. Skeleton Crew offered a completely different gimmick. And I'm curious to see how audiences will respond. But I know I'll stick with it only when Lucasfilm's Star Wars: Skeleton Crew launches Tuesday, December 3rd on Disney Plus.
