I don't thing "everybody" rags on it, there were a lot of people here that were quite excited about it coming back and had high hopes. Many people are down on THIS production, however, based on seeing it.
Personally, I just don't like it. I don't like too many things that get by simply on the "aw, aren't those kids cute" kind of success. It's not because its for kids (or marketed that way).
I find nothing about Annie "fun", even when my own kid was in it.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.