It's sugar-coated shabbyness. I have been there in wintertime, all the rides and attractions were closed, but it´s still nice to have a walk on the beach or spot some funny looking storefronts and vintage-looking rollercosters. A perfect backdrop for photoshootings, a gem for friends of vintage typography. On 4th of july hot dog eating contests are held here (they actually do that!).
I don't go to the movies much but when I do I love coming here... they have the best of the independent and international films and it's the last of it's kind in New York.
This is a great park, from free concerts to summer to the Brooklyn flea markets over the weekend or take the ferry across the river. Rain or shine I never get sick of that view.