If you live in this area, this mall actually qualifies as one of the best things ever (yes, kinda sad): it has some nice eateries, the Dave and Buster's has a decent space where the have comedy shows, and the Barnes and Noble bookstore regularly hosts interesting authors like Bill Simmons and Maddox (ladies, there are probably authors for you too). There is also an outdoor fountain for little kids, and a stage where bands can play.
The parking lot layout is a bit goofy. And yes, the disaffected mall rats are out in full force, at least until security puts the six-16 smackdown on them. Six-16 is the mall policy that requires teenyboppers to be chaperoned after six o'clock on weekends.
All in all, not a bad place to swing through if you're already in NE phoenix.