I can only shake my head sometimes...if this is a horrible game, then...
Yes, the graphics aren't great, but I've definitely seen a lot worse. No, the story isn't epic, but there's this game called Halo that has one just as bad, but nobody cares. No, it doesn't always run smooth, but neither did the first Mass Effect, and I love that game. And I could go on...
Duke Nukem Forever is an average game. It's not horrible. I guess people critisize it because of the childish humor. Well, I happen to like that about the game, because there really isn't anything else like it.
My bottom line is I've played much worse. Don't be scared away by the reivews.