Skeleton Crew: A Decent Ride That Never Reaches Hyperspace
Skeleton Crew introduces a fun mystery and solid performances but falls short on character development and fails to capture the excitement of a true Star Wars adventure.
A Well-Paced Journey That Still Feels Lacking
A lot of people have compared Skeleton Crew to The Goonies, but I don’t think that comparison holds up. The Goonies had an exciting sense of adventure and a cast of truly lovable, dynamic characters whose relationships felt meaningful. That’s what made it so special. Skeleton Crew, on the other hand, is missing that heart. While the kids in the show do a great job with their performances, their relationships don’t really develop in a way that makes you feel like they’ve grown by the end of the story.
Instead of an adventure filled with discovery and personal growth, this show feels more like a journey that just needed to hit a “yay, we did it” moment. The themes of independence are there, and there are good ideas throughout, but I don’t think the characters learned much about themselves along the way.
CGI, Action, and a Lack of Impactful Moments
One of the biggest disappointments in Skeleton Crew is the CGI. Given the show’s high budget and the fact that it doesn’t rely on huge lightsaber battles or massive-scale action, I expected the effects to be at least on par with other Star Wars series. Instead, the CGI often looks unpolished, and when the show does go for bigger action sequences, they just don’t hit. The poor visual quality makes it difficult to get immersed in those moments.
The set designs and practical effects are well done, and some characters have great designs, but the lackluster CGI takes away from what should be the most exciting scenes. The pacing itself is fine for what the show is, but without strong, memorable action, the whole adventure just feels underwhelming.
Some Strong Character Moments, But Not Enough Growth
Despite my frustrations with the lack of meaningful character arcs, there were a few bright spots. One character that stood out to me was KB. Her arc, particularly in relation to her disability, was well-handled and gave her a distinct sense of personal struggle that added something real to the story. She felt like one of the only characters with a defined sense of growth, which made her journey a highlight.
Jude Law is also a standout. His character is intimidating, and he brings real stakes to the show. There’s actual depth to his arc, and he feels like a crucial presence rather than just a mentor figure thrown into the mix.
The problem is that the rest of the cast doesn’t get that same treatment. The kids are fun to watch, but they don’t really evolve in a way that makes the journey feel fulfilling. The show builds a great mystery around At Attin, which kept me engaged, but by the end, I wasn’t sure if the journey itself was worth it.
Final Thoughts on Skeleton Crew
Skeleton Crew had a lot of potential, and while there are some interesting ideas, the overall experience feels like a letdown. The mystery surrounding At Attin is intriguing, but the weak CGI, forgettable action, and lack of character growth prevent it from being a truly compelling adventure.
It’s not a bad show, but it’s missing that spark that makes Star Wars stories special. If you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, there’s enough here to enjoy, but for casual viewers, it may not leave a lasting impression.
