I can't compare one with the other since we saw the 3d movie.
The story/movie is so good that I don't think the 2d/3d matters...except that it makes the visuals much more impressive.
I don't remember any cheesy, gimmicky 3d effects in the movie...the 3d was so well done that you don't really notice it (in a good way). You forget you've got the glasses on.
I'd guess it would compare to listening to music on a cheep boom box versus a really good stereo.