I'm not too phased by the CGI and production. But imo the major factors that brings down the Prequel is Martin Freeman's horrible acting and the script. Those two things combined destroys any magic of "The Hobbit" storyline that I've held on to ever since reading the book as a kid.

I could only bear to finish the first part of the series, and never bothers to watch the other. It was so painful.

Many friends tell me I'm comparing this movie to the first 3 movies of the books. But I don't think that is the case; when stepping back and considering it as a movie that should stand on its own, The Hobbit is a terrible let down.