Friday, August 8, 2008

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

It's not often I keep up with the latest and greatest on television or the net. Granted new doesn't necessarily mean better as Babylon 5 has proven. Still, my latest diversion zeroed in on something sparkling new and exciting over at iTunes for Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.



It's the latest download-only film series [not unlike finding Sanctuary]. Comprised of Acts 1,2 & 3 [45 minutes] it's a delicious, original short film starring some of television's finest. I was completely engaged by the simple, but refreshing concept energized throughout by musical numbers. It's not Moulin Rouge! but it's damn good fun. The songs are exceptional as they map the course of a would-be super-villian dying to join The Evil League Of Evil, the love of his life and his arch-nemesis Captain Hammer [the hammer isn't for his fist] in this terrific tale.
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First, it's directed by Joss Whedon of Firefly and Buffy The Vampire Slayer fame of course. It's also written by Joss with the help of, apparently, talented family Zack Whedon, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. The musical numbers are cleverly dished out by Joss and Jed Whedon and I've provided two samples for you to give it a look.


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The cast provides some splendid moments and the always amazing Neil Patrick Harris steals the show as Dr. Horrible. Nathan Fillion is always a favorite from his days on Firefly and he hams it up as Captain "I love myself" Hammer. Felicia Day is adorable as Penny.
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The ending isn't quite what you'd expect and that's what I love about Joss Whedon. Who gets the girl? You'll see. It's funny how some of the very best in science-fiction or television in general has to be relegated to the obscurity. The mainstream doesn't know what it's missing. Still, with the broad appeal of internet access nowadays perhaps Dr. Horrible is in very good company. Click here for more on Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
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Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: B+

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