Went into the movie knowing full well what to expect, that is to say: I had no illusions that this was going to be a great movie.
Now, that being said, this is not terrible, and it has the decency to be quick about getting to the end.
Where the movie really suffers is in the story. There is simply too much, and at the same time too little going on. This didn't need to be more than some kids sneak into a Spirit Halloween, spooky stuff happens, the end. No, it didn't need to work in a backstory for why this is happening.
Furthermore, trying to add depth by shoehorning in family drama or a coming-of-age plot just didn't work. Too many plot threads that were never needed.
Another detail to keep in mind is that this is a family/kids' movie. It's rated PG-13, but I don't see why it should be more than merely PG.
Maybe if I were a little kid, I'd like it more. However, as an adult, I can say that this doesn't hold a black-flame candle to _Hocus Pocus_ (1993) or _Goosebumps_ (2015).
This could have been better, but the writers clearly didn't know what they were doing. I can easily imagine a superior film... maybe I'll pitch the idea to Party City.