Review - Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024)

           Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Now, I don't think that it's hyperbolic to say this, but 2024 was a thoroughly rough year to be a Star Wars fan, especially with the insane amount of divisiveness that surrounded the streaming series The Acolyte. But, I am happy to report that, unlike that abject failure of a Star Wars show, Skeleton Crew was absolutely fantastic, and was thoroughly entertaining. 

         Created by Christopher Ford and Jon Watts, the latter of whom directed the most recent trilogy of Spider-Man films by Marvel Studios and Sony, Skeleton Crew is set in the same part of the Star Wars timeline as such titles as The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. The series itself follows a group of four kids on a secluded planet called At Attin. One night, they come across what they initially believe to be a Jedi temple, but is actually a starship. The ship, which contains a droid called SM-33, travels to an outpost, where no one has any clue as to how to get to At Attin, as it's seen as a myth. A band of pirates, led by Brutus, nabs the kids and locks them in a brig, where they meet a Force Sensitive man who calls himself Jod Na Nawood, who agrees to help get them to At Attin. 

        Throughout the journey, the kids learn a few things: first, their ship was an old pirate vessel called the Onyx Cinder, was captained by the legendary pirate Tak Rennod, and the treasure he sought was the last remaining mint that printed Old Republic credits, thus making At Attin valuable. Another thing they learn is that Jod Na Nawood is not trustworthy, as he is, ultimately, a pirate with several aliases: Silvo, Crimson Jack, etc. And, of course, when he's able to, he betrays the kids and goes after the treasure of At Attin for himself, eventually reuniting with Brutus and his old crew. 

         So, the story of Skeleton Crew has been heavily compared to that of the '80s classic The Goonies, and I do get the comparison. The Goonies was about a group of kids going after pirate treasure, and Skeleton Crew centers on a group of kids, and deals with a pirate treasure. But, the writing of the series is genuinely clever, and keeps the viewer engaged in a way that we haven't really seen much in Star Wars lately. One character that's among the biggest enigmas in the series is Jod Na Nawood, who is brilliantly portrayed by Jude Law. The way he plays multiple angles, showcases natural charm, but is also a brilliant villain is truly the mark of a brilliant performance combined with clever character writing. 

       The four kids are also terrific, as well. Both Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Wim and Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Fern were brilliant leads, and both Robert Timothy Smith as Neel and Kyriana Krayter as KB were also great. The camaraderie between the four was well written and well acted. I don't really want to harp too much on them, as they are children, and child acting is one of those things that is kinda hard to criticize without coming off as meanspirited. But, one thing I appreciated was the way they showed the dynamic between the kids and their families, whether it was Wim and his dad, or Fern and her mom. One thing I also want to point out is how Fern has two moms. It's not a big deal, and the show doesn't really bring attention to it, but it's with a quick mention. 

       Lastly, the big thing that works about Skeleton Crew is its sense of adventure. The intergalactic journey that this group of kids, who were raised on this secluded idyllic planet, visiting worlds with both good and bad people, is an eye-opening experience for them that proves that what they were told by the ones controlling their world was false. Also, just the variety of places and people that they see on their adventure is really unique. 

      Overall, Skeleton Crew is a fun, entertaining Star Wars show. Definitely one to check out, and I am giving it a rating of 4.85/5. 

     Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you guys in the next review.