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Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (NR)

common sense media says

Fun musical adventure flips the traditional hero storyline.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film reverses the standard "hero" model, by focusing on Dr. Horrible, an evil villain bent on world domination who is hoping to win admission to the Evil League of Evil. Though his plans include stealing rare materials for his secret weapon, and attempting to kill his nemesis, the valiant Captain Hammer, inside Dr. Horrible is also a sweet, shy romantic, who has fallen in love with Penny, a girl he met at the Laundromat. Captain Hammer, conversely, is a vain egomaniac who uses his hero status to get women into bed. There's some cartoonish violence and mild swearing, as well as a reference to one character's penis.

Positive messages: The film flips convention by making Dr. Horrible, an evil villain, into the romantic hero of the story, while Captain Hammer, the do-good champion, is a callous and vain womanizer who capitalizes on his reputation to meet women.
Violence: Several scenes feature superhero action, including super-strength fistfights, freeze rays, and other unrealistic feats that have little impact on the participants, though there's one tragic, accidental death.
Sex: Plenty of romance and awkward flirting, and a few references to sex (including a mention of one character's penis).
Language: Mild swearing, including "balls" and references to being gay.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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 this film 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

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?

Is it any good?
 

DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG 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, it fits together perfectly. It's a great idea, executed perfectly, and wildly entertaining.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: INC.
Director: Joss Whedon
Cast: Felicia Day, Nathan Fillion, Neil Patrick Harris
Genre: Musical
Run time: 43 minutes
DVD release: December 19, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Will Wade
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

halfpinthipster
teen, 17 years old
10
 
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
BestHelen
kid, 3 years old
 
i have found what i was looking for !!!
I have found what i was looking for !!! thx )
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darkshadow45
kid, 13 years old
10
 
really good
captain hammer says "the hammer is my penis" and "I might get to sleep with the same girl twice they say it's better the second time they say you get to do the weird stuff" but thats pretty much it great songs
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
rittachkas
kid, 3 years old
2
 
You have a good site *commonsensemedia.org all very tastefully done!
You have a good site all very tastefully done! I really liked. Sincerely Ritt.
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moviemadness
adult
11
 
Excellent, Hilarious, and Fun
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is a superb musical done in three fifteen minute installments. The story is sweet, funny, and faintly macabre. Violence is mostly mild but there is a death (not bloody, mostly sad). There are some references to sex (a man refers uses the word "hammer" to describe a body part) A little awkward flirting as well. Excellent for tweens and up.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
HippieDippyGirl
kid, 12 years old
11
 
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love this movie but only thing is the sexual innuendo. Other than that its an aMaZiNg MoViE!!!!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
singlemom
parent of 14 year old
9
 
funny plotline+ amazing music - major problems= awesome movie!
Me and my daughter both love this movie! It has positive messages, great music, and no problems that I would notice in any other film. I showed it to my sister-in-law's family, who is very Christian, and they loved it too! I recommend this movie to all of my friends
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
kaitlynanne
adult
10
 
Fun songs but scary death
(Spoiler alert) The older kids loooved it, have all the songs on their ipods. Penny's death was really shocking and scary for my 6 year old however. But it was zany fun that the older audience can enjoy.
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bobbeta30
teen, 16 years old
13
 
!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this! Neil Patrick Harris was the best! But I really don't think that this is for 10+ b/c of the sexual references.
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susieboo
teen, 14 years old
11
 
A new favorite!
I only discovered this recently, but I love it to pieces! It's hilarious... except for the ending. I won't spoil anything, but it is a MAJOR mood whiplash. Dr. H is a great character, and as much as i want to smack him, I must admit that Captain Hammer is pretty entertaining too. My favorite parts: Dr. H: Wow! Sarcasm! That's original! Captain H: *holds up fists* THESE aren't the hammers. *he leaves, but immediately comes back* Captain H: The hammer is my penis.
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LECkitty
kid, 11 years old
10
 
A fun, fresh, treat
There is some superhero-esque violence in this tragicomedy movie. Some sexual references and mild swearing. Captain Hammer, though at first seeming very kind and heroic, turns out to be a dim-witted braggart. Otherwise, great music and a great movie!
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