My kiddo and I were discussing the merits of the soccerball astromech. Clearly it must maitain the body/dome connection with magnets?
Magnets work so much better in Star Wars science.
---------- Post added at 03:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
Lens flare is good if you're trying to recreate an actual effect, such as looking towards the sun through multiple panes of glass, as if from inside a vehicle with a space helmet on or something.
Jar Jar Abrams also uses it for dramatic effect, which is a subjective artistic choice that may or may not appeal to you. While I'm not a fan of his in general, I never had a problem with how he used it, but I can see how some people would.
As far as Kubrick goes; he was certainly a master who was always in firm control of what you saw in the screen. Very little was accidental. In photography lens flare is often an accident, which is why it is the mark of someone who hasn't yet mastered the craft. If JJ Abrams is using it on purpose, than it's not a sign of incompetence, just taste.