The Best 42 Minutes You'll Ever Spend on YouTube

I first watched Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog about a year ago, when my friend told me she had found a short film that would blow my mind. Indeed it did. The premise for Dr. Horrible's is simple: It's the story of a not too evil super villain, Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris), who is desperate to be accepted into the Evil League of Evil, led by the notorious Bad Horse. However, his plans to implement evil on the city are usually foiled by the "hero" Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion). Horrible's goal to be accepted into the League is thrown for a loop when he meets a saintly and charitable girl at the laundry mat, Penny (Felicia Day). His life is even more messed up when Penny begins dating Captain Hammer after he "saves" her from one of Horrible's evil plans.

It's not a "difficult" movie to understand. There are no hidden meanings or symbolism. The film doesn't ever take itself too seriously, and the writers understood that first and foremost this was a comedy. However, that doesn't mean it can't pack a punch. The genius of this film is that on one level, it's a fantastic comedy musical, but on a different level, it's a tragic story of lost love and sacrifices.

The actors are also perfect in their roles. The on screen chemistry between Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, and Nathan Fillion is what makes the movie so real. Even though the premise is ludicrous, the actors make the story seem almost plausible. There are also an assortment of background characters that deliver some of the best one liners I have ever heard in a film.

If you have 42 minutes to spare, give this film a shot. It's one of my favorites, and the only bad thing I have to say about it is that it's only 42 minutes long. The writing is superb, the music is catchy, and the performances are beyond memorable. It's one of the best short films I have ever seen.

NOTE: It doesn't technically have a rating, but I would say it's rated PG-13 for some language and sexual innuendos. Nothing obscene.