Original 'Star Wars' creators lift lid on special effects challenges

I'm pleased that the CGI that marred the prequels has been somewhat reduced for the recent releases. Of course, it helps that the scripts and direction are a marked improvement. And that the CGI that is used is less cartoony.

Back in the days not all scripts were good. Same as today. And CGI, when done well and used judiciously, can enhance the film. Practical effects and working inside the camera is still used but just not as often because there are better and easier (and often cheaper) ways to achieve these now. Also, by denying Eps. 1-3 you conveniently ignore that George Lucas made a mess of the series. And he continued to do so with the reworking of 4-6 in further releases of those films.