" it's weak directors with big egos using it to fill in the gaps they've created"
And script writers who believe to be better than the original authors, while they are often really very poor at writing (not only in sci-fi).
But both can get away with it because CGI fills the gaps, and studios have still something to sell, and some of the public don't ask anything more - but we've seen many big fiascos, yet Hollywood executives don't care, in one way or the other - worldwide distribution, TV rights, DVD/streaming - they get most of the money back.
Reviewer in the press will be very careful before tearing apart a big studio release - more even now that they need more ads revenues than ever.