This show is: Not Rated
This is a story about Dr. Horrible, aka Billy (Neil Patrick Harris) and his plans for world domination. Oh, and he would also like to get up the nerve to talk to Penny (Felicia Day) the girl he has a crush on. Of course there has to be a hero that tries to thwart his plans. That would be Captain Hammer played by Nathan Fillion. Did I mention that it happens to be a musical?
It’s the brainchild of Joss Whedon. The project was conceived during the last writer’s strike. He co-wrote it along with two of his brothers (Jed and Zack Whedon) and Maurissa Tancharden. The story was originally released for free on the internet. Broken into three different acts that were posted over the course of a week in July 2008. I was one of the many that anxiously awaited each new installment. Fortunately, it has been released on DVD.
Let me start off by saying that while I do have some musicals in my DVD collection, I would say as a general rule I’m usually not into most mainstream ones. However, I love this one. The dialogue and lyrics are witty. The songs are catchy and do a good job of telling the story. During one of the songs three of the characters are singing over the top of each other, which creates an interesting dynamic.
I’m convinced that Neil Patrick Harris can do anything. His character ranges from hesitant and unsure of himself to evil. Which he seems to do effortlessly, whether they are scenes with dialogue or scenes where he is singing. He has a great voice. I especially enjoyed the darker songs that he sang.
Felicia just exudes sweetness as Penny. She is a great actress and also has a lovely singing voice. You might recognize her as Vi from season seven of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer“. Felicia and Neil have some great scenes together, especially in the laundromat. I also love the bit with the split screen when they are both singing “My Eyes”.
Nathan must have loved playing Captain Hammer. It gave him free reign to be campy and over the top. Which of course is exactly what he did and he was wonderful at it. The songs really suited his character and he did a great job with them. Nathan is another member of the Joss Whedon alumni. He played Mal on the TV show “Firefly” and also in the movie “Serenity”.
Believe it or not they actually made a musical commentary. You can tell a lot of time and effort was put into it. The songs are crazy. For example, Nathan sings about how he is better than Neil. It’s a lot of fun and well worth listening to.
Favorite quotes:
Dr. Horrible – “The world is a mess and I just need to rule it.”
Captain Hammer – “It’s curtains for you Dr. Horrible … lacey gently wafting curtains.”
Billy – “You’re kidding … what a crazy random happenstance.”
Penny – “You’re driving the spork into your leg.”
Dr. Horrible – “See you at the aftermath. Peace …. but not literally.”
Dr. Horrible – “Captain Hammer threw a car at my head.”
Billy – “Oh, goodness, look at my wrist, I’ve gotta go.”
Captain Hammer – “The hammer is my penis.”
Captain Hammer – “Cute huh. Sort of a quiet nerdy thing … not my usual … but nice.”
I thought I would point out the Easter Eggs on this DVD since I don’t know how you could possibly stumble across them. The timing is a little tricky so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it the first time.
Interviews with the Evil League of Evil: Choose Special Features, then The Making of Dr. Horrible Featurettes and press enter to play it. As soon as you reach chapter 3 press enter. Then before the countdown ends on the E.L.E. screen press 5 and then enter.
Outtakes: Choose Scene Selection, then Act II, then select “Moist Dries Up” (press enter once you have highlighted it). Before the countdown ends press 6 then your enter button.
Behind the Scenes: When playing the film as soon as you reach chapter 6 press enter. Press 5 then enter before the countdown ends.
Jan
Following is additional information about the show that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
The song “Brand New Day” was terrific. It is the turning point for Dr. Horrible, where he decides that evil is all he cares about now. It’s a tricky song, but Neil’s performance of it was fantastic.
I have to admit that I was amused by the fact that Bad Horse, the leader of the Evil League of Evil, was actually a real horse.
It’s quite possible that Joss is a secret member of the Evil League of Evil. He actually killed Penny off! I admit the scene between her and Dr. Horrible while she was dying was quite moving, but still, it was an evil thing to do.
