Best in Show Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of weirdos parade their pampered pooches around for a blue ribbon, mostly so Fred Willard can make it weird.

🍿 Best in Show: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Eccentric Owners

The film introduces five sets of dog owners preparing for the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. Each owner is uniquely eccentric, setting the stage for comedic clashes and unexpected moments. The mockumentary style captures their lives leading up to the competition, highlighting their quirks and obsessions.

The Journey to Philadelphia

As the owners make their way to Philadelphia, their individual quirks are further amplified. Gerry and Cookie Fleck encounter numerous men from Cookie’s past, while Meg and Hamilton Swan’s neurotic tendencies affect their Weimaraner, Beatrice. Harlan Pepper’s aspirations as a ventriloquist provide additional comedic relief. The journey itself becomes a series of humorous vignettes.

Backstage Antics and Preparations

Once at the dog show, the backstage atmosphere intensifies the competition. The owners’ anxieties and insecurities bubble to the surface, creating hilarious interactions and absurd situations. The film expertly balances the characters’ eccentricities with moments of genuine vulnerability, making them relatable despite their quirks.

The Mayflower Dog Show

The dog show itself is a spectacle of carefully coiffed canines and stressed-out owners. Commentator Buck Laughlin provides hilariously inept commentary, adding another layer of humor to the proceedings. The competition unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, as each dog and owner duo vie for the coveted ‘Best in Show’ title.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gerry Fleck (Eugene Levy): A mild-mannered salesman with two left feet who nervously navigates his wife’s colorful past.
• Cookie Fleck (Catherine O’Hara): A vivacious and friendly woman whose past relationships keep resurfacing at the worst times.
• Harlan Pepper (Christopher Guest): A simple-minded shop owner who aspires to be a ventriloquist while showing his beloved bloodhound.
• Meg Swan (Parker Posey): A highly strung yuppie who projects her anxieties onto her Weimaraner, Beatrice.
• Hamilton Swan (Michael Hitchcock): An equally neurotic yuppie husband who shares Meg’s obsession with their dog’s emotional well-being.
• Scott Donlan (John Michael Higgins): One half of an ecstatically happy gay couple who dotes on their Shih Tzu and loves gossip.
• Buck Laughlin (Fred Willard): An inept and clueless dog show commentator who provides unintentionally hilarious and irrelevant commentary.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Buck Laughlin: “I love dogs, especially German Shepherds. They’re so smart, and they’re so beautiful. And they can be trained to do almost anything. Except lawn care.” – Buck Laughlin shares an irrelevant and slightly absurd thought during his commentary.
• Meg Swan: “We met at Starbucks. Not on purpose, but we were both there. From across the street.” – Meg describes the highly specific and somewhat pretentious circumstances of how she met her husband.
• Harlan Pepper: “I love nuts. All kinds of nuts. That’s why I want to be in the nut business.” – Harlan reveals his passion for nuts, showcasing his quirky and singular personality.
• Scott Donlan: “He’s just dreaming of treats. Liver snaps, pig ears… the occasional Popsicle.” – Scott lovingly describes what he imagines his pampered Shih Tzu dreams about.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,715,392
• Worldwide Gross: $20,789,556

💥 Best in Show Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore ‘Best in Show’! The characters are so over-the-top, but somehow feel real. Fred Willard’s commentary had me in stitches, especially when he started talking about bench-pressing. The scene where Cookie keeps running into her ex-lovers is comedy gold. I’ve watched this movie countless times, and it never gets old!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of mockumentary films”
  • “Dog lovers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven comedies”
  • “Those who enjoy improvisation and subtle humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Hollywood Reporter: “Best in Show isn’t just funny; it’s smartly funny. The improvisation works brilliantly, showcasing the cast’s comedic genius. Fred Willard’s clueless commentator steals every scene, elevating the film to comedic gold. A must-see for those who appreciate intelligent humor.
• New York Times: “Christopher Guest’s mockumentary skewers dog show culture with sharp wit and affection. The ensemble cast is superb, with each character hilariously eccentric. While the humor is subtle, it’s the realism of the characters that makes it so relatable and fun. Prepare to laugh at the absurdities of dog-show obsession.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Best in Show is a comedic gem, blending improvisation with brilliant character work. Fred Willard delivers an unforgettable performance as the inept commentator. Although the humor is understated, the film’s charm lies in its affectionate portrayal of quirky dog owners.

Audience Reactions

Fred Willard’s improvisational commentary is legendary!: The humor is subtle yet hilarious, appealing to those who appreciate character-driven comedy.

The ensemble cast’s chemistry is undeniable; their performances are spot-on.: The mockumentary style is perfectly executed, capturing the essence of competitive dog shows.

Overall Consensus: A hilarious mockumentary celebrated for its improvisational style and quirky characters.

Awards

1. British Comedy Award (Best Comedy Film)- 2001

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Much of the dialogue in ‘Best in Show’ was improvised by the actors, adding to the film’s spontaneous and natural feel.”
• “Parker Posey actually wore real braces for her role as Meg Swan to enhance the character’s neurotic and uptight personality.”
• “The film’s success led to subsequent collaborations between Christopher Guest and the cast, including ‘A Mighty Wind’ and ‘For Your Consideration’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Best in Show?

Best in Show is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies, where it’s available for rent or purchase. Check your local cable provider’s on-demand services, as it may also be available there. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are readily available from online retailers like Amazon and at most major stores that sell movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Best in Show, you might like these similar films:

• Waiting for Guffman (1996): Directed by Christopher Guest, it uses a similar mockumentary style to explore the eccentric world of community theater.
• This is Spinal Tap (1984): Another classic mockumentary that satirizes the world of rock music with improvisational humor.
• A Mighty Wind (2003): Also directed by Christopher Guest, satirizes the folk music scene with a similar ensemble cast and improvisational style.
• The Office (US) (2005-2013): Uses a mockumentary format to explore the mundane and eccentric lives of office workers, similar to the character-driven humor in ‘Best in Show’.

🛒 Best in Show Related Products

• Best in Show (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A collector’s edition Blu-ray including behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and crew. A must-have for fans who want to dive deeper into the making of this iconic comedy.
• Best in Show Movie Poster: A high-quality print poster featuring the movie’s iconic image. Perfect for decorating a home theater, office, or fan cave. Show your love for the film with this eye-catching piece of art.
• Dog Show Mania: The Game: A simulation game allowing players to manage their own kennel, train dogs, and compete in virtual dog shows. Features popular breeds from the movie and humorous events inspired by the film.
• “I Can Name Every Nut” T-Shirt: A fan-favorite T-shirt featuring Harlan Pepper’s memorable line. Made from high-quality cotton for comfort and durability. Wear your love for the movie with this unique piece of merchandise.

🎧 Soundtrack

Best in Show features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “God Loves A Terrier” – performed by Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Counting down Jennifer Coolidge’s most hilarious lines of all time

Jennifer Coolidge absolutely *kills* it in Best in Show, and this video proves she’s a comedic genius. Seriously, try to watch this without cracking up—it’s impossible!

✨ Rate