I feel Lucas and Co. didn't really care about the critical acclaim/salutations and just wanted to do a picture they enjoyed. Set in the late 50's, it would of been up their alley during their youth. While it doesn't come close to 'Raiders' or 'Last Crusade', its still a fun flick to go see. Its based less historically and more into what was going on in culture at the time (James Dean, 50's science fiction, and the Cold War). The more about the 50's you know, the more enjoyable you'll find the picture.