Like most Ray Bradbury adaptations (Something Wicked This Way Comes), this story isn't perfectly wrapped up in a bow, but it is memorable and the performances are worth watching.
I have always been fascinated with this film, mainly because of the visuals and the tender performances by Maureen Stapleton and Edward Herrmann.
Sure it's flawed, and some folks may be creeped out by the subject matter, but I guess I just didn't see it that way. Sometimes children get tired of the same, fluffy, perfect kiddie fare, and this one fits the bill, for a story with a few dark tinges around the edge.