I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I think Bill Nighy’s performance as Davy Jones is probably one of the most indellible character creations in the last 10 years. By far one of the most interesting screen villians we’ve had in a long time. Part of that is due to the arresting visual design, but my affinity is moreso for Nighy’s brilliant vocal affectations and tics. He makes Jones menacing but unique and it’s a treat to watch him cut loose.

Although I’m aware that the movie suffers an “everything AND the kitchen sink” mentality, Nighy and Jones is the big reason I’m excited about Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Early reviews are split down the middle. Most critics complaining about the film’s wanderlust and overall length. It’s not as though these complaints will keep people from the theater. Personally, I’m not paying much attention to it. The complaint that a movie is “too long” has never made sense to me. Anyone who has watched a movie before 1950 knows most of them were 2 and a half hours plus. Producers wanted to give you your money’s worth. Now that ticket prices are upwards of $10.00, why wouldn’t you want more entertainment for your dollar.

I mean, I understand if you think a movie blows, being forced to sit there for an extended period is no fun. But believe it – SOMEONE out there is going to be really into it and appreciate the greater length. The only movie I can think of where they should have dropped the curtain early was A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. The minute you think the movie is over, walk out of the room. Seriously. You’ll thank me for it. That version is a MUCH better film.

But I digress. Big blockbusters that are all about the visuals? If you’re complaining it’s too long, your atttention span is too short. I think we all know that Spider-Man 3 didn’t make it on my all-time favorites list. But it was also an exceptionally long movie and it didn’t bother me. My complaints were about characterization and my close affinity for the characters. But the visuals never dissapointed. This will likely be the mentality I carry into At World’s End and I think it’s a prudent one.

Do you guys like today’s sketch? It’s kind of a departure for me. I found a great reference photo to work from and actually kind of surprised myself with this one. It was one of those times where you just kind of nestle into the pocket and you don’t want to stop drawing because you’re afraid you’ll ruin it if you come back to it later. That’s a good feeling.

Not much news to report. The site is still suffering a bit from all the Threadless controversy. I’ve been monitoring the referral links and the places people are coming to the site from are more far flung than I originally imagined. I think it’s great! Welcome everyone! Things will probably be back to normal in a week or so.

All this t-shirt hullaballo has really gotten me thinking about new t-shirt designs. I’ve had a bunch of ideas for a while, but can’t seem to get motivated about any of them. I think I had a mental barrier because I kind of had my sights on producing the Theater Hopper Year: Three book. I think I’m taking that off the table for now. I jumped through a lot of hoops to get Year One and Year Two off the ground last summer. I think I’m going to take a break from that and concentrate on t-shirt designs. I think if I can zero in on a few good ideas, it might actually help my push the remaining copies of the books that I have – which is probably a greater priority than taking up more real estate in my closet with a new book.

I have an idea for a Spider-Man 3 shirt that I don’t think will get me in trouble with any copyright infringement. If I’m lucky, it won’t piss off the fans of the movie, either. It’s a little sarcastic, but it comes from a good place. The reference is obscure enough, I think people will get a kick out of it. Anyway, hopefully I’ll be able to take advantage of the holiday weekend and have some new designs for you on Monday. Fingers crossed!

Hey, why don’t you leave some feedback on the comments page. With all the site outtages, I feel like I haven’t had a chance to talk to any of you guys!

Have a great weekend!