Apparently the entrance is well known, because it was able to accommodate a sizeable payload

see: Mock Trial with Judge Reinhold. That was certainly not a comedic representation of a courtroom.

The books don't get good until the third one. And then drop off at the 5th one. 3&4 are MONEY though. never seen the movies, but I imagine the last few are good because there was so much bloat that needed cutting out.