I can understand why they had to make ST an action film, and understand why a number of fans hated JJ because of it. With SW I can see why they chose the 'safe' path and made it a rehash of New Hope, as it gives a new generation a start point much like their parents, takes a big swig of nostalgia juice for those old enough to remember the original trilogy, and does its damnedest to undo make you forget the bad taste of the prequels. Mind you, it doesn't excuse the lightweight story, but it explains the direction it took