Episode One(and two and three) is actually ridiculously brilliant. You're judging a fish on how well it climbs a tree. You're a rock critic analyzing jazz.
I'm not contrarian for the sake of it! My opinion is based on lots of analysis/reflection. It's really like reading a great book. You still pick up new subtleties on the 100th reading.
So tearing them apart based on other movies is like telling Andi Warhol he's stupid for painting Campbell's soup cans. He doesn't care what you think! He made the art he wanted to make
For maximum impact I recommend watching in pairs. First watch IV followed by III(intro with Rogue One if you have time). Pay close attention to repeated visual patterns and dialogue.