Common Sense Media Review
Fun musical adventure includes some innuendo and a death.
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Why Age 12+?
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Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
What's the Story?
In DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG, Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris) is an evil villain straight from central casting – mad-scientist laugh: check. Plans for world domination: check. Outlandish weaponry, distinctive costume, and a super-powered nemesis: check, check, and check. And now he's planning one of his biggest heists ever, hoping to impress his fellow bad guys and earn a spot in the Evil League of Evil. Yet he also shows a distinctly non-villainous side, a shy, awkward young man too nervous to ask out Penny, the cute girl he meets at the laundromat. Unfortunately, when Penny (Felicia Day) finds herself in peril, it's Dr. Horrible's arch-enemy, the valiant Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion), who saves the day and wins a date with the girl. Can the evil Dr. Horrible find a way to win her over from a true hero?
Is It Any Good?
This clever film plays with convention, by making a villain into the star of the show. Yes, he's cooking up a dastardly scheme, and we even see him pulling off a heist. But his evil deeds pale in comparison to the smarmy Captain Hammer. The hero is the real villain here, a smug, conceited cad who uses his hero-status to charm the ladies. While Dr. Horrible really loves Penny, Captain Hammer just wants to get her into bed, and it's up to the bad-guy to prove that he can sing about being her hero.
Yes, sing. Because not only is this a brilliant send-up of the standard superhero format, it's also a musical. Sure, it might sound like a strange idea, but then, so does the whole concept. On paper, it may be hard to see how all of this comes together. But on the screen, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog fits together perfectly. It's a great idea, executed perfectly, and wildly entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the standard hero storyline. Is Dr. Horrible a hero or a villain? How does he differ from traditional heroes? Does Captain Hammer seem like a hero? Is there more to being a hero than fighting crime? How does Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog tweak convention?
Do you think it's OK to make a criminal into the good guy? Who do you like more, Dr. Horrible or Captain Hammer?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 19, 2008
- Cast : Felicia Day , Nathan Fillion , Neil Patrick Harris
- Director : Joss Whedon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : INC.
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 43 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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