…and he’s done it again!
The web has been mildly abuzz for the last few months, awaiting the coming of Joss Whedon’s latest project. Revolutionary as his imagination and writing talent have always been, he’s now pushing the boundaries of content delivery as well.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog sounds bizarre, but it (strangely) isn’t. Not really, anyway. With this new effort — an internet musical — Joss continues to satirize some familiar territory of both genre and character while simultaneously coming up with something very unique. Just like he always has…
A brief plot outline (per the musical’s Facebook fan page): “The story of a low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to.” It stars Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser) as the titular villain, who’s also the protagonist. The good guy, played by Nathan Fillion, is really the bad guy. It’s all very fun (though occasionally PG-13 rated fun in the language department).
For those familiar with Whedon’s work on Buffy, you know he’s no stranger to musicals (the musical episode of Buffy is widely regarded as one of the best episodes of the series). Joss is also no stranger to comedy. While Firefly, Buffy, and the issues of “Astonishing X-Men” that he penned are all mostly classified as “drama,” they are all rife with his trademark snappy dialog delivered with impeccable timing.
While the list of Very Awesome Things about Dr. Horrible is long (c’mon, it has Nathan Fillion!), one of the best parts is that it’s free. Online. Right now (except for Act III, which shows up July 19th). It takes place in three short acts (fifteen minutes each or so). You can download the episodes on iTunes, or watch them right on the site. Might want to hurry, though…it seems as though they may only be there through July 20th.
So do yourself a favor — especially if you’re as yet unfamiliar with Mr. Whedon. Head over to Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Don’t forget to check any preconceptions at the door…
It was absolutely amazing!!!