Arenaactor, I couldn't agree more! (By the way, I give AOTC 4 1/2 stars, see my review).
Hollywood hates Lucas. They have to. First off, movie critics simply must be seen as better than the average blockbuster. So what if a movie is loved by millions and has made a gazillion bucks by people willingly parting with thier hard-earned cash? If a reference to Shakespeare or a touching insight into the characters sexuality isn't explored...it has to suck. Screw 'em.
In 1976, George Lucas made fools out of everyone in Hollywood. Rather than accept his directing salary, he instead opted for licencing rights to his product. This was unheard of back then. There was no such thing as Burger King tie-ins, massive toy lines or merchandising in the scope that we are now used to. Thusly, Lucas has been able to do whatever he wants with his franchise, and Hollywood can't do a thing about it. There are no producers from Fox telling him where to go with his story, no way to adjust things to the latest demographic study...and they hate him for it. Add to this the fact that most huge productions are forced to turn to ILM (Lucas's own company) for effects and THX (Lucas again) for sound...and you'll never get a good review on any Star Wars film.
What he's done has been to make the most successful independant films in the history of movies. Fox is only leased the rights to release the films, the rest comes out of George's own pocket.
So the next time somebody wants to bitch about the "non-arthouse-feel" of a Star Wars film...let's see them finance their own movie, invent thier own style of special effects that will be used to change film forever and bring the world the next phase of modern myth.
I loved this movie!!!!😎