'Best in Show' (2000)

The mockumentary genre isn't technically new whatsoever. Orson Welles' 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds is considered to exemplify the satirical idea. But, 'Best in Show' seems to me to be one of the earliest examples of the modern day mockumentary that shows like, Trailer Park Boys, The Office, and Parks & Recreation popularized.

Best in Show is easily one of the funniest movies of all time. Then again, I'm a total sucker for the mockumentary concept. What We Do in the Shadows is my favorite mockumentary film, but this one comes pretty damn close. A spoof of the absurdity that are dog shows, this movie pokes fun of the wacky owners. Pack the cast full of Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, and John Michael Higgins and it's hard to miss.

The best part of the movie comes as the lead up to the dog show. We get backstories of five of the dog owners and their lives will probably make you feel better about yourself.

Norwich Terrier owners Gerry and Cookie Fleck (Eugene Levy + Catherine O'Hara) hail from Florida and we quickly find out that Cookie is quite popular among the fellas and what makes this even more ironic is Gerry was born with two quite literal left feet and can't help but walk in circles and buck teeth to boot.

Weimaraner owners Meg and Hamilton Swan (Parker Posey + Michael Hitchcock) take care of their dog like a child and Meg loses her ever-loving mind when their dog's toy goes missing at the dog show. Here we have your stereotypical pampered upper-class couple. My favorite line of theirs, "We met at Starbucks...well not the same Starbucks, but two Starbucks across the street from each other and that's when we locked eyes."

Bloodhound owner Harlan Pepper (Christopher Guest, also the director) is an eccentric southerner and aspiring ventriloquist may just be the star of this movie. "I used to be able to name every nut that there was. And it used to drive my mother crazy, because she used to say, "Harlan Pepper, if you don't stop naming nuts," and the joke was that we lived in Pine Nut, and I think that's what put it in my mind at that point.""

Standard Poodle owner Sherri Ann Cabot (Jennifer Coolidge) is a trophy wife just looking to add a little excitement to her life. She enlists the help of world-renowned dog handler Christy Cummings (Jane Lynch) known for her long history of dog show success. They later develop quite the love interest.

Shih Tzu owners Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof (Michael McKean + John Michael Higgins) are a gay couple with a great enthusiasm for dog shows. Spoiler alert, they are my favorite characters in this movie.

The strength of this movie or any mockumentary are its characters. This movie features are hilarity of odd couples and an endless amount of quotes. Whether it be the "Butch is a bitch" or the aftermath of the dog show wherein Sherri and Christy start their own magazine, entitled 'American Bitch,' the publication for lesbian dog owners. This one is just a barrel of laughs and I think I'll find myself checking out more Christopher Guest flicks.

I think what I love that I found out after the fact, is that much of the dialogue was improvised, which lends itself well to the feel of the movie. Fred Williard, an American treasure, plays the role of the Dog Show commentator who clearly doesn't want to be there, provides hilarity. Now I see where Dodgeball drew its inspiration.

Overall, I would recommend if you just want have some fun for 90 minutes. Best in Show is a joy to watch.

Streaming: Hulu or available to Rent

Matt's Score: 8.9/10