Some really interesting answers in here, thanks guys.
I actually agree AOTC is underrated. It feels strange saying that, because for the longest time it was my least favourite Star Wars movie (only dethroned by TROS). I still find it awkward to watch at times, and think parts are badly done, but there are MANY aspects of the basic story premise I think are fantastic. Mixing a romance plot with a detective plot in Star Wars, culminating in an epic display of visual effects in the climactic Battle of Geonosis, is great and I’ve come to respect the movie a lot more than I used to. It’s a very imaginative way to set in motion the rise of the Empire.
I think a lot of my distaste for it in past years comes from the visuals. I think both Coruscant and the interiors of Kamino looked too futuristic in the movie, but I’ve gotten used to those portrayals.