In 2007-8 the Hollywood writers went on a national strike for better wages. With their newfound free time writers and brothers Joss, Jed, and Zach Whedon wrote, directed, and produced the first professional online musical.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along debuted in July of 2008 proving  that quality material can be produced without huge budgets and months of work. The brothers created the 40 minute film in sixdays.

The basic set up: Dr. Horrible, played by Neil Patrick Harris, is aspiring to enter the Evil League of Evil (led by the Thoroughbred of Sin) which has asked him to pull off a major crime.

However the Doctor is plagued by the narcissistic anti-hero Captain Hammer, played by Nathan Fillon, who stands for justice and hair care products. The third member of this sad , frustrated love triangle is Dr. Horrible’s love interest, the idealistic  Penny, played by Felicia Day, who happens to be in love with Captain Hammer. Captain Hammer is trying to “get some”.

The movie is funny, moving, well written, has an interesting plot, fun acting, cool music blah blah blah. But to me the stand-out element is the writer’s ability to get the viewer on the dark side. We feel for the lovesick, nerdy, underdog Doctor as he gets pushed around by the odious Captain, an arrogant, cruel playground bully.

But let’s remember poor Dr. Horrible is trying to rule the world for his own profit and that d-bag Hammer is actually trying to stop theft and protect innocent citizens. And because it’s a dramedey ,the girl goes for the law abiding slimeball. So funny, and sad.

I highly recommend this experience.