>>212797472honestly, that formula is the best part. YMMV but when they get into 'other' stuff it's tedious world-building that SOMEHOW feels like it came too late. fish-out-of-water, 'sir, what's a fuzzlewump?' stuff was actually magical and fun.
they (rightfully) trimmed the books down, but the problem remains. at least the special effects get better, with time? the tone gets a bit more grim and serious?