Canned Setting vs Sand box

Local comic book store sponsors gaming but it seems the local RPGers are committed D20 gamers: versions 3.5, 5th and pathfinder. I am loath to play D20 with few exceptions: B/X and Stars Without Number<br /><br />was rereading SwoN and the setting for that is wide open- referee can do what ever he wants. and its rather easy to incorporate your favorite movie- Battle Beyond the Stars particularly fits SwoN or Silent Running, Event Horizon, even the Aliens movies. <br /><br />SF is of course very canned and confining and I've been a long time fan but I'm feeling rather seduced by a sand box setting like SwoN.<br /><br />Anyone else have an opinion on canned like SF or sand box like SwoN?