Name: LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation
Genre: Animation, Family, Science Fiction, Comedy
Released: 2022-08-05T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Kelly Marie Tran, Shelby Young, Matt Lanter, Anthony Daniels, Omar Benson Miller

The Halcyon’s observation deck should be a sight of tranquility, but instead, it’s filled with the frantic energy of stormtroopers attempting to assemble inflatable flamingos. LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation, directed by Ken Cunningham, aims to turn the Star Wars sequel trilogy’s aftermath into a beachside comedy, but the result is a film that feels more like a missed opportunity than a fresh take on the franchise.

The premise is simple: Finn (Omar Benson Miller) plans a surprise vacation for his friends—Rey, Poe, Rose Tico, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO—aboard the luxurious Halcyon. The idea is to give these war-weary heroes a break from saving the galaxy. However, the execution stumbles more than it soars. The film’s attempts at humor—like stormtroopers as bumbling vacationers—fall flat too often, relying on repetitive gags and slapstick that feel tired rather than fresh.

Where LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation succeeds is in its voice cast. Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose Tico brings warmth and wit, while Billy Dee Williams’ return as Lando Calrissian adds a much-needed dose of charm. The soundtrack by Allie Feder and Michael Kramer also stands out, blending upbeat summer tunes with the iconic Star Wars score to create moments of genuine levity.

But the film’s pacing is uneven, and its narrative structure feels disjointed. The story jumps from one set piece to another without much cohesion, making it hard to invest in the characters’ arcs. The Halcyon itself, a setting ripe with potential for creative antics, becomes more of a bland backdrop than a dynamic environment.

The film’s attempt at originality is its biggest misstep. While previous LEGO Star Wars specials leaned into the absurdity of their premise, Summer Vacation feels like it’s trying too hard to be something it’s not—perhaps a National Lampoon’s Vacation meets Star Wars. The humor often feels forced, and the characters are reduced to caricatures of themselves. Rey (Helen Sadler) is more concerned with sunburn than destiny, and Poe spends most of his time trying to avoid responsibility.

The film’s direction also leaves something to be desired. Ken Cunningham’s handling of the action sequences is competent but uninspired. The animation, while colorful and detailed, lacks the kinetic energy that made previous LEGO Star Wars films so engaging. The camera work is often static, and the editing feels rushed, as if the film is trying to cram in as many jokes and set pieces as possible without taking the time to let them breathe.

Thematically, LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation tries to explore the idea of relaxation and the importance of taking a break. However, this message gets lost in the chaos of the plot. The film’s attempt to balance humor with heartfelt moments falls short, as the emotional beats feel tacked on rather than earned.

The film also struggles with its target audience. It’s too juvenile for adult Star Wars fans, who might appreciate a more nuanced take on the sequel trilogy’s aftermath. At the same time, it’s not engaging enough for younger viewers, who might find the humor and pacing confusing.

In comparison to other LEGO Star Wars specials, Summer Vacation falls short. Films like The Freemaker Adventures and The Resistance Rises managed to balance humor with compelling storytelling, while Summer Vacation feels like a collection of disjointed sketches rather than a cohesive narrative.

Despite its flaws, LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation has its moments. The voice acting is solid, and the soundtrack is enjoyable. The film’s attempt to explore themes of relaxation and camaraderie is commendable, even if it doesn’t fully succeed in its execution.