If i could like this a thousand times, I would. The correct answer whenever this question arises.
More thoughts, a day after viewing. The things I didn't like about the first film are played against the audience who loved it. If this was the plan all along, it's a brilliant piece of forward planning. If it's response to it, or an absolute coincidence, it's still framed the first film better.
Meet Lyra. Answers also to Lie pie. Pie. Piesal (as in Islam, after the BBC journalist). Pie-pot. Doglington smythe. Eternally yours for a biscuit and a fuss.
There's gonna be a lot of people in a few years denying they ever bad mouthed this film. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a far more interesting film than I think anybody excepted.
Hmmm, @kermodeandmayo.bsky.social may have something to say about this.
Letterbox last 4 Friday. The Substance should have been in here this week, but my local cinema is being a nightmare screening it once a day during work hours. 🤞for next week!