I'm an elder millennial who grew up in the mid 80's through the 90's and witnessed: the rise of Geocities, AOL, 56k through 256b internet speeds, e-baum's world, the bronze to silver age of youtube, animated versions of 80's cartoons that lasted a little too long and a bit too short, the gradual death of the actual mall experience as well as, the changes of social experiences fade into virtual experiences.
This movie hits all the figurative quarter slot, ecto-cooler, cheap plastic toy w/ unsafe small pieces for children, knee scraping, "it's time to go home because the street lamps came on, so I'll start walking back or ride my bike back home without adult supervision" goodness.
It then adds current themes (which do seem flat to those of us that are older now and enjoy how scripts would be more direct and less multi-tiered), fantastic visual effects with a wonderful dose of the old school visual effects of the 80's version. The supporting older characters do just that, lay the foundation and become a bridge for the new generation to take spotlight but, not all the spotlight.
This older kid approves and says you should take the plunge if you want some nostalgia, but don't expect everything to be the same...that's just crazy. Things change... heheh
Please excuse my horrible grammar and punctuation... our little one has been experiencing sleep regressions.
*this should be another good clue as to the validity of my post*