Watch Best in Show

Best in Show is a mockumentary-style film that follows several eccentric dog owners as they compete in a prestigious dog show in Philadelphia. The film is directed by Christopher Guest and is known for its ensemble cast which includes Fred Willard, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, and Michael McKean, among others. The film begins with a brief introduction of each dog and their owner, providing a glimpse into their unique and quirky personalities. There's Gerry and Cookie Fleck (Levy and O'Hara), a middle-aged couple who own a terrier and are convinced that every aspect of their dog's life is linked to their own. Then there's Harlan Pepper (Christopher Guest), a rural man from Pine Nut, North Carolina who trains his Bloodhound to track all sorts of things besides fugitives, like nuts and other small objects. Additionally, we meet Scott Donlan and Stefan Vanderhoof (John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean), a gay couple who own a pair of Shih Tzus and dress them up in outrageous outfits.

As the competition gets underway, tensions begin to rise between the different owners as they all strive for the coveted title of "Best in Show". The judges, played by Jane Lynch, Don Lake, and Michael Hitchcock, have their work cut out for them as they scrutinize each dog's every move and appearance. However, the real star of the show ends up being the hilarious and clueless commentator Buck Laughlin (Willard), who provides laugh-out-loud commentary throughout the entire competition.

As the suspense builds, the audience becomes invested in the outcome of the competition, rooting for their favorite dog and owner pairings. This makes for a heartwarming and entertaining film that ultimately emphasizes the deep bond between owners and their pets.

One of the most notable aspects of Best in Show is its improvisational style. Much of the dialogue in the film was actually improvised by the actors, which gives the film a unique and naturalistic feel. The film's humor is also incredibly effective, with many of the jokes coming from the eccentricities of the characters themselves. From Cookie's obsession with using a special brace on her dog's legs to Gerry's insistence on performing a song with his terrier, the characters in Best in Show are both hilarious and endearing.

Another standout aspect of the film is its attention to detail. Throughout the competition, each dog is given its own backstory, quirks, and personality traits, which makes it easy for the audience to become invested in their success. Additionally, many of the interactions between the characters feel incredibly authentic, with each relationship feeling fully formed and nuanced.

Overall, Best in Show is a witty, charming, and heartwarming comedy that celebrates the unique bond between owners and their pets. With its talented cast, sharp writing, and attention to detail, it's no wonder that the film has become a beloved classic.

Best in Show is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 78.