I don't know about bashing. I'm pretty cynical when it comes to movies being made.  Check the G.I. Joe and Batman threads. 
But I'm not gonna give anyone credit because I slept in some Boba-Fett underoos. 
I'll give George credit for what he's due.  THX, digital film, ILM. 
As for the trilogy and American Graffiti, those are nothing but freshmen triumph.  I call it the Peter Frampton syndrome.  Comes out strong, but Peters out shortly after. 
Just remember, Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky.