Those who dislike films of this kind probably anticipate consistently polished and sophisticated productions whenever they choose to view something—rather than simply enjoyable entertainment. Deadtime Stories occupies an unusual space; it’s neither strictly for adults nor entirely appropriate for children, which was common in 80s movies. For example, Robocop resonated with kids at the time, resulting in toys and a cartoon series. Considering current standards, showing that film to children today might even trigger intervention from child protective services. However, back then, physical harm was the primary concern, and children were generally less easily offended, more resilient, and better able to distinguish between fantasy and reality—or perhaps we overprotect them now. The core issue isn't really the subject matter itself but rather the humor. The filmmakers needed to commit to either targeting adult sensibilities or those of younger viewers for the jokes to truly connect. The blend feels somewhat jarring and off-putting, and while it’s amusing at times with some genuinely funny moments, it seems unsure of its intended audience. Ultimately though, that doesn't diminish its value; it remains a low-budget but enjoyable film, which is all it ever needed to be.

Source on TMDB