not a good end

I can see what you mean. However, don't forget about Stockholm Syndrome.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome

I also feel like the character had a genuine and accepting quality to him, even with all the lies. There was also a real tenderness to him that the kids were obviously lacking in their own father.

I mean, the guy was crazy, and manipulative, but...there was still an element of candidness and truth about him.

Keeping all this in mind, I think it's believable that the kids would have felt some kind of love towards this guy.

Stockholm Syndrome...Lonnie wasn't kidnapped. He was glad to get away from his boring existence. And don't forget he really thought his dad shot Tobe. I see what you're trying to say by bringing up the Syndrome but I just think Lonnie saw a better fatherfigure in Harlan + a friend( he didn't have in real life, as far as we know). Also Harlan spent time with him and listened to him ( his father didn't respect him and didn't listen to him). Ah and btw Harlan was delussional and in constant denial but I wouldn't call him crazy. Confused and misunderstood would come closer.

I didn't like the whole last 15 minutes, not just the ash scattering scene. A death at the end is so predictable...I knew what would happen (a general idea) after an hour. It's just so easy to end a story this way.

"The Dad does the right thing for probably the 1st time in the movie and lets them grieve."

i respectfully disagree with that, the dad has done the right thing thru out the whole movie, the dad knew he was trouble from the start. this is one of the few times i have ever seen in the movies where the dad is the one with the most sense during the whole movie.