I have to agree. The theatrical episodes made in the first 10 years, up to about Episode 5, have more action and suspense than the latest ones.
This could be because the writing staff is constantly changing. Also keep in mind that after 13 movies, there's only so many ideas left.
This is why Episode 1 (the original) is often said to be better than the sequels. Think about it: You had 5 kids on their own, their families are missing and/or dead, and they had an epic journey to paradise, that while perilous, was actually realistic.
You can't get much bigger than that, unless the Rainbowfaces take them in their flying saucer to explore the Universe, or Doc Brown, or Indiana Jones or someone like that shows up ;>