AOTC’s only saving grace for me is the lightsaber duel between Yoda and Dooku (yes I enjoy that scene, sue me).
Lots of people bash that scene, but when I saw it in the theater, the entire audience lost it when Yoda opened his robe and Force-pulled the lightsaber into his hand.
It seems hardcore Star Wars fans are likely as detached from what audiences like about the prequels (and probably sequels) as what they don’t.
Same here. (I remember a similar theater reaction)
and I think you were right about lots of people still liking that. But on the flip side I think lots of people view those movies as not that serious and so it is easier for them to enjoy those somewhat silly fun action scenes.