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Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is not a typical musical, nor a movie. Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly taps his own pocket to write, produce and direct this 42 minute musical. Neil Patrick Harris stars as Dr. Horrible, a shy but still mad scientist who tries really hard to get into the League of Evil, who works on his evil laugh with a vocal coach, and who secretly longs for a girl he meets at the laundromat. He vlogs about his plans and feelings, and ends up discovering it is watched by both his nemesis Captain Hammer (played by Nathan Fillion) and the police.

Joss Whedon showed his musical talent in a special musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in its 6th season, and the music through this series is pretty outstanding. Just like a traditional musical, every major character suddenly bursts into songs to express their feelings. Dr. Horrible finally musters up the courage to talk to the girl of his dreams, only to watch Captain Hammer save her and start dating her.

Neil Patrick Harris is perfect as Dr. Horrible, and Nathan Fillion plays Captain Hammer to its campy fun. He is almost parodying himself in other heroic roles, and it is great fun to watch him sing about how much of a self-absorbed cocky superhero he is. The movie is available on iTunes (at just $3.99) and will soon be released on DVD. This internet mini-series should not be missed by all Joss Whedon fans as it is hilarious light summer fare.

Rating: 75%

Hairspray could have easily been the best musical of the year as its incredibly upbeat visuals, music and performances are easily the best in the category. This adaptation of the musical features a positive message of tolerance: people different from us should not be feared but should be treated equally. How can you say no to such a message? The movie wants us to be racially tolerant, accept interracial couples, persons who are weight-challenged, and drag John Travolta in a fat suit.

I was afraid going into the movie that the casting of John Travolta as the mother of the heroine was just a gimmick, but his performance was surprisingly good. He was believable as an overweight woman who is afraid to go outside due to her fear of being ridiculed, and even his scenes with Christopher Walken were simply well done, without being too creepy. Of course it helps to star opposite of THE Christopher Walken…

Set in 1962, the heroine is Tracy Turnblad, an incredibly cheerful high school student who dreams of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show". She finally gets a break even though the station manager Velma (played by Michelle Pfeiffer who is perfect as the villain of the story) disapproves of her. She starts advocating for racial integration on the show through songs and dance numbers. Everyone’s performances are just right and believable: if you enjoy Broadway shows, musicals or just old-fashioned dance numbers, make sure to watch this movie that is miles better than the musical it is based on.

Rating: 85%

Sweetney Todd

Johnny Depp has a knack for playing odd characters, and the latest entry to his resume is a cannibalistic barber… With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, Tim Burton manages to create a film that both musical and horror fans can enjoy, and that is no easy feat. All-star cast includes Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter.

Up next: Best Sci-Fi Movie of 2007