“It” is a runaway hit, but it should have been truer to Stephen King.

Did “Stranger Things” help pique interest in the similarly-themed “It” and make this new Stephen King adaptation a runaway hit? Perhaps, but the film stands on its own merits with sharp performances by its young cast, a ton of creepy set pieces, and a clever exploitation of an audience’s fear of clowns. Still, this big screen version of the 1986 bestseller could’ve been better. It makes some basic horror movie mistakes – why do characters always get separated after they vow not too? – and moving the time period up three decades destroys some of its naiveté. Yet, its theme about conquering fears is a winner, no matter what year. And you know its eventual sequel, when the adult versions of the children return to battle the clown again, is sure make a killing too.