The early “Star Wars” movies galvanized a generation of geeks. But what happened to the later movies?

Ships

At first: The first batches of vehicles, ranging from X-wing fighters and snowspeeders to Imperial walkers and Darth Vader’s menacing flagship, were inspired.

And then: The ships in episodes I through III bite big-time. Don’t get us started on that shiny Naboo eyesore in “Phantom Menace.”

Droids

At first: The brilliantly conceived R2-D2 and C-3PO droids spawned legions of imitators in “Star Wars”-wannabe flicks for years, but few measured up to the originals.

And then: Did we mention wannabes? Newer “Star Wars” robots have their moments (rolling destroyer droid) but are often wince-inducing (goofy battle-droid troops).

Special effects

At first: The original “Star Wars” triggered an appalling special-effects orgy in other sci-fi movies, but “Star Wars” chapters V and VI stay focused on the story.

And then: Uh-oh. George Lucas lost his way in the new films with too much flashy stuff.

Planets

At first: From the desert world of Tatooine to the Hoth ice planet, “Star Wars” proved stirring in its depiction of far-off places — even if we didn’t quite buy Endor’s giant trees.

And then: Lucas keeps returning to Tatooine, again and again, but it is never the same. The galactic capital of Coruscant inspires awe even on repeat viewings, though.

Battles

At first: Every space battle in the original trilogy was a thrill ride, each in its own way. But by the third chapter, lightsaber battles grew tiresome.

And then: Every space battle in the newer movies is mind-numbing, each in its own way. And if anyone proposes a third trilogy with sword-fighting finales, we’ll lightsaber-seppuku ourselves.

Aliens

At first: Although the Ewoks in “Jedi” were insufferable, Jabba the Hut was entirely enjoyable. Cool Chewbacca may be the best alien ever.

And then: Oh, how we hated Jar-Jar. And enough with all the alien Jedi knights, already.

Villains

At first: The early films gave us fine baddies, including Vader and Tarkin. The soft-spoken emperor in an “Empire” cameo was a favorite; so was the cruder one in later films.

And then: The demonic Darth Maul and the sinister Count Dooku are worthy Vader successors, as is the big Sith boss, but General Grievous is too Bionicle-ish.

Heroes

At first: Luke is too earnest and Han too cocky, but we loved ’em anyway. The Muppet Yoda made us believe. Lando and that lobster-like Admiral Ackbar were likable, too.

And then: The young Obi-Wan Kenobi lacks appeal, and his boss, Qui-Gon Jinn — talk about a goody-two-shoes. Ah, but the computer-generated lightsaber-wielding Yoda in “Clones”? Yowza!