It showed up out of nowhere, made the most bank in history (for a movie), refused to explain and disappeared for like 15 years, then came back out of nowhere with a sequel movie, a AAA game, and like 3 more movies in the works.
Edit: I think it now has like a Lego line too?
A very overated movie by the ones who are fans. “Great visuals” they say, like if Avatar were the first movie ever using CGI. This movie is, in fact as OP says, a very weird franchise. Has success out of nowhere and no one ever bring this movie when talking about “what’s your favorite movie”, “what’s your favorite movie soundtrack”, “what’s your favorite story from a movie”, “what’s your favorite scene in a movie”. I dare you to do those questions to people and see by yourselves. A very big money wash if you ask me.