It often seems that the "Stranger Things" kids have been hogging all the fun. This sentiment lies at the heart of the latest Disney+ "Star Wars" series, "Skeleton Crew" (streaming Tuesdays, ★★½ out of four). These four adorable preteens find themselves thrust into the midst of sci-fi danger and mayhem, yet in a way that is perhaps a bit less terrifying and bloody compared to the popular Netflix horror series. Or perhaps it was inspired by the classic 1985 film "The Goonies" (a significant precursor to "Stranger Things", quite coincidentally), with its group of misfit kids on a treasure hunt.

An Adventure with a Twist

Plot Overview

Four kids from a wealthy yet unexciting planet accidentally end up in the galaxy. They discover that everyone they encounter believes their homeworld is a fairytale and they are hopelessly lost. Thankfully, an irreverent droid (Nick Frost) and Jude Law's Jod Na Nawood step in to guide them back home. Though Jod Na might have ulterior motives, he remains a mysterious and enigmatic figure.

The elements of "Skeleton Crew" feel like they came off a Hollywood assembly line, especially the characters. There's the rebellious and clever girl, Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong); the intelligent skeptic, KB (Kyriana Kratter); the adventurous but impulsive boy, Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers); and the comic relief, alien Neel (Robert Timothy Smith). Each child has something crucial to learn or prove, and their worried and misunderstanding parents back on their home planet are desperately trying to find them in the vastness of space, with Oscar nominee Kerry Condon shining as Fern's mother, a waste of her considerable talents.

Jude Law's Jod Na is a distinct type as well – a ruggedly handsome reluctant hero with a heart of gold that will surely be revealed in the end (just a prediction). He reminds one of a certain famous "Star Wars" character played by Harrison Ford, perhaps with a touch of Force sensitivity and a British accent.

Setting and Atmosphere

After years of grand "Star Wars" planets and spaceships, starting "Skeleton Crew" in the galaxy's suburbia is a bit of a comical contrast. It looks just like the real thing, complete with mid-century modern homes and automatic doors. But once the kids embark on their adventure with Law's mysterious pirate captain, the fun really begins. This fun is especially enjoyable for those of a certain age or with an interest in family programming, given the jokes are centered around gross-out food.

It seems almost overdue for "Star Wars" to create a story specifically for kids, considering they are the ones filling their Christmas lists with Baby Yoda toys. However, loading an adult-themed franchise with cute kids and twee jokes can be a risky move, as seen in the fan reaction to young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) in 1999's "The Phantom Menace".

Balancing Act

What stands out most while watching "Skeleton Crew" is its clear influence. It's not just a "Star Wars" series; it's "Star Wars" with a unique twist. It's gimmicky and somewhat cookie-cutter in its expansion of the sci-fi franchise, which risks diluting the essence with each new show Disney+ produces.

To continue beyond its initial three lightweight episodes, "Skeleton Crew" will need to carefully balance its kid-friendly tone with enough "Star Wars" lore and flair to truly feel like it belongs in this ever-expanding universe. Otherwise, it risks becoming just another "Lost Boys" or "Stand By Me" with an expensive special effects budget.