Super Smash Brothers Brawl: WTF?!?

Older gamer here (28, LOL). I bought Super Smash Brothers Brawl based on the hype and 100% positive reviews. Plus I think the premise is awesome, pitting all the Nintendo all-stars against each other! But I just can't get into it. I have no idea what is going on half the time. I feel like I am just mashing ons and maybe something happens. What is the strategy? Why did they not incorporate any wii "motion" contorls. It fells like I am playing a gamecube. Please help me enjoy this game! I really want to!