QFT
It’s a sci-fi action adventure not “Citizen Kane”. When I go to see a sci-fi or comic book based film, I go there for pure fun and entertainment. I don’t expect it to be an intellectual marvel or a cinematic art house genre bender. As you said, for that genre, it’s success heavily depends on dynamic actors and competent directors.
As for the Star Wars franchise specifically, you’ll always have a class of fans that will never be happy with any new Star Wars movie. SW represents a cherished childhood memory, and they perceive it as the pinnacle. They will always compare sequels to the originals and find them lacking no matter what.