"Best in Show" is not a movie that the masses will enjoy. However, if you've ever been to a dog show… if you've ever met someone who went to dog shows… if you or someone you know has the tendency to take their dog ownership way too serious… if any of the preceding is true, you'll have a great time with this film. "Best in Show" does for the pedigree dog world what "Spinal Tap" (another Guest film) did for Heavy Metal bands. Don't ask me what that means; I'm not sure I could explain it if I tried!
Plot
I can't say that there was much of a plot (other than the overriding "Let's win the dog show" theme). "Best in Show" is pieced together as a documentary - albeit a faux documentary - and as such, it's not for people wanting to jump into a long-winded romance or a heart-stopping adventure. Christopher Guest (the film's director, who also has a role as Harlan Pepper, the basset owner) isn't exactly known for mainstream film fare anyway.
In the movie, you follow several duos (and their dogs) as they leave home for the Big Show, each hoping that their special little canine will bring home the title of Best in Show. Along the way, you get to see the particular quirks of each - from the couple who believes their pooch has been emotional scarred after watching them have sex to the insecure geek and obviously "experienced" wife. This is where the true plot and interest of this film lies - in the people. It's almost a side note when the Best in Show title is awarded, except for the fact that it adds a wonderful touch to one of the couple's own story.
Characters
Guest created some wonderful caricatures in this film. I couldn't begin to describe them all, nor could I do them justice. With such wonderful performers as Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Parker Posey and Michael McKean, the characters taken on their own lives and become believable. Since the dialogue was improvisational, each of the actors was able to play up their own strengths. (I can't imagine Eugene Levy not playing a geeky guy, but when he does it so well, why should I expect any less?)
The great thing about the characters was that, even though they were caricatures of the types of people who would meet at a dog show, they weren't so overdone that they weren't believable. In a film like this, that's really important. Lesser actors might have taken their roles too far and turn the whole thing into an uncomfortable farce, instead of a witty satire.
Audience
As I mentioned at the beginning, "Best of Show" is not a blockbuster, crowd-pleaser film. I was a bit surprised (although pleasantly) to see it showing outside the arthouses in my area. I honestly didn't think it would hold much appeal for mass audiences that tend to flock to the over hyped, over budget, star-studded fare that you normally find at a Cinemark or a General Cinema.
I'm in my mid-twenties (so is my husband) and we found nothing upsetting or offensive in this film; we loved it. I saw teenagers in the theater when we went and they didn't enjoy it. I don't think they understood the premise of the character interactions. I definitely don't think this film would be of interest to most children or teens.
If you're used to watching action/adventures, this movie probably won't be your speed. I know the couple behind us in the theater got bored and mumbled about it not being what they expected. I think the documentary style of "Best in Show" turns some people off too. So, if you don't enjoy watching documentaries on your local PBS station, you might want to at least way until the movie goes to the dollar theater.
This is a funny film, but it's not overt or slapstick. (Unless you count Levy's songs about terriers.) It would appeal more to fans of "Antiques Roadshow," Masterpiece Theater and arthouse flicks than it would to fans of Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler.
Finally, perhaps the most important audience test: Would "dog people" like this film? My parents own a pedigreed Bedlington terrier and often visit shows (although they do not compete). They saw the film and loved it. I would be interested to hear what people who actually show their dogs thought about this movie - whether it was off the mark or hit close to home.
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