Best in Show

[Global Paw]

This is probably the best parady I have ever seen. Its a movie that makes fun of dog shows, and while its a bit vulgar, it is hilarious.

Anybody seen it before? What did you think?

[Gale_Force15]

Never heard of it, any more details?

[Global Paw]

<snip>

Funny how we take so many things in our lives for granted. I see and do things all the time without thinking about any of the people behind the scenes of it all, and this film is a perfect example of one of the things that I've never really thought about. Dog shows. I've always known about them, I've caught a glimpse of them on the Sports Network from time to time, but I've never really sat down and thought about what they truly consisted. But have no fear, because writer/director Christopher Guest has come up with an excellent mockumentary featuring the dogs, the people and all the rest of the obsessive insanity that goes on behind the scenes at these dog shows.

PLOT:
A faux documentary featuring several dog owners preparing to take their prize pets to the big show in Philadelphia. Along the way, we get an insight into the world of dog shows, as well as all of the competition, neurotic owner behavior and everything else that you'd expect from a "hobby" which some people obviously take too seriously.

CRITIQUE:
A very funny, original take on the world of dog shows, filled with many memorable characters, hilarious commentary and even some constructive education about the industry behind the shows themselves. I'm more of a "cat guy" myself, but you don't need to love dogs to enjoy this movie. The many well-developed kooky characters are what drew me into this film, and I just loved watching all of these actors riff left and right. Give Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara some of the highest praise in this regard, with super chemistry, perfect tit-for-tat dialogue sessions and one especially hilarious sequence with Larry Miller as an old flame. You see, O'Hara's character used to be "easy" when she was young, and the film features many very funny moments of her former conquests crudely making points about their trysts together, right in front of her timid husband. We also have the extremely neurotic snooty couple, Parker Posey and Michael Hitchcock, who feel the need to bring their dog with them to their psychiatrist and who simply cannot seem to control their own diva-esque behavior. Kudos to both of them, and especially on whoever decided to slap braces on the poor fools. Nice touch.

The two final couples also offer many moments of chuckle in their own right, especially the flamboyant gay character portrayed fabulously by John Michael Higgins, and the very controlling dog trainer played intensely by Jane Lynch. I mention all of these names and all of these characters because they are what make up the fabric of this entire movie, and if you don't like them, then you will more than likely not "get" this movie. I appreciated them all, save for Christopher Guest's own character in the film, and I especially loved two of the "smaller" personalities in the movie. The first is Ed Begley Jr. (where has he been?) who slurps it all up as the manager of the host hotel and Fred Willard, who in unquestionably the funniest thing about this movie. He literally steals the show as one of the commentators of the big dog show finale, and delivers some of the best lines that I've heard all year. You couldn't find a bigger boob to add color commentary to the show than this very misinformed gentleman! And a great job by his straight man British co-host as well. Overall, I don't believe this comedy is suited for most people. There is a lot of dry and satirical humor here, which may not be appreciated by some. But for anyone who loved Guest's WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, knows of the improvisational techniques perfected here by all participants, and just plain loves dogs, this puppy is a perfect companion for this fall's lazy weekend getaway. Funny and original...nice combo!

http://www.joblo.com/bestinshow.htm

[Gale_Force15]

OH! I've seen this once on comedy central. Some bits I'd take out but overall pretty funny.

[Global Paw]

yeah, some parts are a bit dry...and as the review says, it isn't for everyone. But, I love this movie so much

[Gale_Force15]

Hey, its a lot better than some movies i've seen.

[Global Paw]

Originally Posted by Gale_Force15

Hey, its a lot better than some movies i've seen.

oh, definitly. I would buy it on DVD, but its always on TV, lol

[Gale_Force15]

lol, ya.

[Pugdawg1]

Don't they show a pug humping some person's leg in the end? lol

[Rip's Girl]

Heh, that movie is so funny. Especially funny if you've been in the dog show scene, I've met an owner/handler couple quite similar to the Weim's owners.

[boxerdogforum]

I love that film!!The funniest bit is the Bloodhound owner talking to his dog about nuts ROLTFLMAO!!!!!!

[Global Paw]

hehe..."well, there's chestnuts...walnuts...peanuts......"

[Mellie]

I saw this a while ago. A lot of the cast are from that old comedy show SCTV, that broadcasted out of Canada. There are a few other funny movies that involve most of that cast, too. Funny, strange, people.

[fireworksinjuly]

I saw it a while back and just laughed my head off...

it was just on again...it ended like an hour ago....

[Global Paw]

Get The Busy Bee!!