Growing up in the 80s we were treated to a good amount of adventure movies with kids as the leads. These movies were great because the kids were in charge of their destiny and you felt like it was an adventure you can go on with your own friends. Skeleton Crew is what happens when you mix Explorers, Goonies, and The Monster Squad together and set it in the Star Wars Universe. The show is a lot of fun and kids of all ages will enjoy this fantastic adventure! We were lucky to watch the first three episodes and that is what our review is based on. 

The story centers around 4 kids, Wim, Neel, Fern, and KB. Wim, played by Ravi Cabot-Conyers, and Neel, played by Robert Timothy Smith, are best friends. Wim is a dreamer ala Luke Skywalker who wants more than what his life has to offer. He lives with his father who works a lot and leaves him home alone some days. Wim is raising himself and that is why he wants more from his life. Neel is the best friend that is always there for Wim. Neel is the voice of reason and wants his friend to be happy even if he has to remind him of the rules sometimes. 

Rounding out the group are Fern and KB, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Kyriana Kratter. Fern is like the Han Solo of the group in that she is tough and knows a little more than the others in her group. Her best friend, KB, is smart but quiet and relies on her cybernetic implants to help her friends on their adventure. She is also the only one that questions the reliability of Jod. 

Jod is the stranger the kids meet who is played by Jude Law. Not much is known about Jod but there are a few hints sprinkled throughout the episodes. Can the kids trust Jod or will he turn on them? Jude Law is great in this role and has a certain charm that makes you want to follow his lead but also question where his loyalties lie. 

What’s a Star Wars show without a droid, right? Skeleton Crew has SM-33 who is voiced by Nick Frost. SM-33 is an old, cantankerous droid that is faithful to his captain. It is always great to see the personalities of the droids in the show and SM-33 is right up there with Chopper and R2-D2.

Skeleton Crew has the tagline “A Star Wars Adventure” and that is exactly what this is. During Star Wars Celebration in 2017, George Lucas stated that “Star Wars was always intended to be enjoyed by 12-year-olds.”. This show is the perfect example of that! Seeing young kids be kids is a great thing especially in the Star Wars Universe.

If you think back to your childhood, how many times did you and your friend have imaginary lightsaber fights? Think about all the geeky conversations you had with your friends while riding the bus to school in the morning. Think about the times you would look out into the sky and wanted more or wanted to relive an adventure you saw in a movie. This is the exact feeling you get while watching the Skeleton Crew. 

The show is set during the New Republic so I am curious if we will see any cameos throughout the series. In the production notes Jon Favreau stated that since the show was written during the New Republic, he had to “give them context around what else was going on in this time period.” Does this mean we will see characters from the Mandalorian or Ahsoka appear? We will just have to watch and find out. 

Final Thoughts: Skeleton Crew brings back that adventure feeling reminiscent of Explorers, Goonies, and The Monster Squad. The three episodes that we have seen are filled with wonder and mischief that is great for all families to watch together. The innocence of the children in this new world is unique and really pulls you into the adventure. 

Kid-Friendly: Skeleton Crew is very kid-friendly. As stated earlier, this show brings back the feel of 80s adventure movies that is great for all ages. 

Violence: The amount of violence in Skeleton Crew is on par with most Star Wars series. In the first 3 episodes that we have seen there are a few action sequences with SM-33 beating some people up and a few blasters being shot. 

“Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” follows the journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way home—and meeting unlikely allies and enemies—will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.