I think today’s comic will make a little more sense when or if you see Tim Burton’s adaptation of Sweeney Todd. From the early reviews I’ve read, it’s Burton’s best film since Ed Wood and could have been a lock for Best Picture if only Burton had reigned in his tendency to leap for the Z-grade horror moments.

You may or may not be familiar with the story of Sweeney Todd, but wrongfully accused, his wife and young daughter stolen from him, he goes on a murderous rampage in Victorian London in pursuit of revenge. He does this by luring his unsuspecting victims into his barber shop, where his slits their throats and disposes their bodies through a trap door into the local bakery below. There, the corpses are baked into meat pies.

At any rate, Burton really cuts loose (pardon the pun) when it comes to the murder scenes. Throats being cut and fountains of blood shooting like geysers everywhere. There is nothing lyrical or implied about it. He puts it right in your face. And I could see where that might turn off Academy voters down the line.

It’s a small complaint, compared to the rest of the film, I’m told. The performances and the music are great and the story seems tailor-made to suit Burton. But I think when it comes to the blood, that’s where he frustrates critics. Because often in his work, there is a self-serving moment that nearly capsizes the whole picture. His remake of Planet of the Apes was a whole FILM of those moments – and probably the reason it’s the most reviled film in his cannon.

I’m excited to see Sweeney Todd, but there’s a lot of great stuff coming out this weekend – National Treasure 2 and Walk Hard among them. I was supposed to see I Am Legend last night with Jared, but Cami’s been really sick lately and running a fever. So it wouldn’t have been a good idea to take off and leave her with Henry. Parental responsibilities will take you out of the stronger pop culture currents. I’m fine with this. But I hope I don’t fall too far behind. There’s too much stuff I don’t want to miss!

A quick note about next week – With the holiday’s coming up, I’m thinking about taking the week off. I need it. I’m exhausted. I don’t know if that means I’m taking the week off completely. I’m planning on watching a ton of movies I’ve been backlogged on and possibly posting the reviews next week. But I think comics are out of the picture just because they take a lot of time and I”m going to have my hands full with Henry, the holidays and relatives.

Keep coming back to the site, though. I’m sure I’ll be able to float you some new content. Just the comics will be on hold while I catch my breath. Also – since we’re not doing The Triple Feature next Monday due it being Christmas Eve and all, you’ll want to keep a close eye on this space in case we announce our replacement show. We’re talking about doing it next Wednesday. So come back here to confirm.

In non-site related news, I turned 30 today. I don’t know what to think about it. I guess I can’t really think about it. I’m so wiped out from the lack of sleep, it makes it hard to focus.

There’s supposed to be this large anxiety about turning 30 that I don’t have. I mean, I understand it’s a transition out of your 20’s and the free-wheeling ease of things. The older you get, the more responsibilities you take on and so forth. But there really isn’t a part of me that’s going to miss my 20’s. I had a good time then, but I’m having a good time – if not a better time – right now. Anyone who gets their knickers in a twist about turning 30, 40, 50, whatever… needs to reassess what it is about right now that sucks so bad compared to back then and change it. No one else is going to steer the ship for you, know what I mean?

End rant.

Anyway, tonight I’m staying in with family and we’re going to have cheese soup while I open presents. Not a bad little Friday if you ask me.

Take it easy and Happy Holidays!