As others have noted, it certainly pales in comparison to the original. How could it not? Two relatively young actors filling the shoes of two legendary charismatic actors who have great chemistry together. If you start with lowered expectations, it's an entertaining ride. It won't make anyone's top 50 or anything, but it's in no way a bad film.
Calling it a prequel is almost a misnomer. They're clearly trying to replicate the feel of the Newman/Redford films, but there's a lot here that can't be reconciled. Most notably, there's a scene where Newman and Redford exchange real names, but here they learn each other names as young men. Not quite sure why they gave Butch a wife and kids he didn't have in real life or the previous film.
Calling it a prequel is almost a misnomer. They're clearly trying to replicate the feel of the Newman/Redford films, but there's a lot here that can't be reconciled. Most notably, there's a scene where Newman and Redford exchange real names, but here they learn each other names as young men. Not quite sure why they gave Butch a wife and kids he didn't have in real life or the previous film.