Dean R. Koontz was approached to write the book based on the original story pitched to him and being young and wanting a paycheck he agreed. The book was definitely better than the movie and when the movie was released the book, by his pen name "Owen West" (by Mr. Koontz's admission, he was "Owen" out "West" and needed the money, thus the name Owen West) was basically yanked from the stores due to the fact that the movie was so poorly reviewed. Do yourself a favor and try the book, so much more dark, complex and much more of a back story. The father/barker story is explained, the mother/drinking is explained and the story is more emotional. If only Hollywood could learn to just film the book. I have the same feelings on all of Mr. Koontz's work translated to film. Watchers, Phantoms, Whispers...etc. The closest that a film maker has come is the film version of "Intensity". The song "If I had a million dollars comes to mind when I watch some of these films comes to mind because I know as a fan of the material, I could do so much better, and you know you could too.
Review of The Funhouse
