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The Rewatchables · March 11, 2025

Best in Show

host Bill Simmons host Mallory Rubin host Joanna Robinson producer Craig Horlbeck

What aged best: Ensemble chemistry
Weakest link: Harlan Pepper, disputed
What aged worst: Harlan’s ventriloquism

All 36 categories

Roger Ebert
“That Guy” Award Patrick Cranshaw
Scorsese or Spielberg Spielberg
Overacting Award Michael Hitchcock as Hamilton

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:04:13

A television series could have earned much more

The hottest take is that a television or miniseries version might have used the footage and earned much more, with the counterpoint that the compact film might otherwise have worn out its welcome.

Bill Simmons: A recurring dog-show series would retain the Flecks, Scott and Stefan, then also Christy and Sherri Ann; Harlan could be replaced by a new contestant.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:34:27

Keep a spare favorite toy

Mallory Rubin: Life lessons include hope despite two left feet, readiness to enter a dog show and a joking recommendation not to miss a chance with Cookie.

The film

Best in Show (2000)

Directed by Christopher Guest · Comedy

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Eugene Levy Gerry Fleck

Catherine O'Hara Cookie Fleck

John Michael Higgins Scott Donlan

Michael McKean Stefan Vanderhoof

Michael Hitchcock Hamilton Swan

Parker Posey Meg Swan

Jennifer Coolidge Sherri Ann Cabot

Jane Lynch Christy Cummings

Christopher Guest Harlan Pepper

Larry Miller Max Berman

Linda Kash Fay Berman

Jim Piddock Trevor Beckwith

Fred Willard Buck Laughlin

Ed Begley Jr. Mark Schafer

Lynda Boyd Cabot Party Guest

Teryl Rothery Philly AM Host

Tony Alcantar Philly AM Chef

Camille Sullivan Philly AM Assistant

Patrick Cranshaw Leslie Ward Cabot

Will Sasso Dale the Fishin’ Hole Guy

Bob Balaban Theodore W. Millbank III

Don Lake Graham Chissolm

Jay Brazeau Dr. Chuck Nelken

Hiro Kanagawa Pet Shop Owner

Don S. Davis Everett Bainbridge

Rachael Harris Winky’s Party Guest

Deborah Theaker Winky’s Party Guest

Lewis Arquette Fern City Show Spectator

Colin Cunningham New York Butcher

Fulvio Cecere Airport Passerby

Carmen Aguirre Taft Hotel Maid

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

5:19

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Pet resemblance; judging influence; careers; Cookie’s past; Beatrice’s future

In the discussion (9)

Approx. transcript time · 00:05:19Read transcript

Beatrice receives sympathy because the Swans are blamed for her problems; whether she finds a better home is left as an unanswerable question. — Bill Simmons
Whether Buck Laughlin would face a later misconduct reckoning is raised as a hypothetical, with a brief reference to Willard’s own controversy. — Bill Simmons
Posey’s costume choices reportedly made Meg resemble Beatrice; whether people grow to resemble pets is countered by the idea they initially choose animals matching their energy. — Mallory Rubin
Rhapsody’s betting odds are imagined as a heavy favorite given past wins, financial backing and Christy’s reputation. — Bill Simmons
Whether money changes hands at the show is questioned; Milbank is defended as resisting overt pressure, while the annual party is viewed as influence-seeking. — Mallory Rubin
The Flecks’ cassette sales are doubted, while Scott and Stefan’s custom-pet calendar business is predicted to succeed; American Bitch’s survival into the digital era remains a question. — Bill Simmons
Cookie’s possible old nonmusical tapes become a joke compared with a Moira Rose plot. — Mallory Rubin
Beatrice is hoped to thrive after leaving the Swans, against the darker farm joke. — Bill Simmons
Cookie’s number of past partners is playfully estimated from her age, relationship length and nationwide encounters, with no settled count. — Mallory Rubin

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7:04

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Coolidge and Lynch’s kiss on television

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:07:04Read transcript

Hubert’s face wrinkles are floated for Great Shot Gordo; Harlan’s belief that his dog communicates feels familiar to devoted pet owners. — Bill Simmons
The zoom catching Coolidge and Lynch’s kiss, seen through Scott and Stefan’s television, receives agreement for Great Shot Gordo. — Mallory Rubin

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13:19

Half-Assed Internet Research

Improv preparation; editing; origins; filming; dog-show rules

In the discussion (14)

Approx. transcript time · 00:13:19Read transcript

Guest compares the ensemble to a band requiring every player to contribute; Levy reportedly stopped because the process felt repetitive, while the weaker Mascots and For Your Consideration temper the desire for more. — Bill Simmons
The Ringer oral history is recalled as possibly Fred Willard’s last interview; production reportedly involved twenty-five shooting days, sixty hours of footage and a year of editing. — Bill Simmons
Guest reportedly conceived the film after a purebred dog owner reacted dismissively to his rescue dog. — Bill Simmons
The reported budget is $10.8 million and gross $20 million. — Bill Simmons
Detailed character backstories reportedly included Cookie’s roller-coaster encounter with Bulge despite the improvised dialogue. — Mallory Rubin
Posey reportedly wore real braces; Kicking and Screaming and The Daytrippers are recalled among her valued roles. — Mallory Rubin
Higgins reportedly won a real dog-handling competition while preparing; his and Lynch’s controlled show-ring movements are praised. — Mallory Rubin
Posey reportedly admired Willard’s ability to improvise brilliant material from legal-pad notes during Waiting for Guffman. — Mallory Rubin
The production reportedly filmed in Vancouver and Los Angeles and staged its own dog show. — Bill Simmons
Westminster reportedly declined access; Willard’s commentator was based on Joe Garagiola and Guest instructed him not to research dogs, while Jim Piddock studied them. This account gives Willard’s shoot as a day and a half. — Mallory Rubin
The first Rhapsody poodle was reportedly replaced because of its difficult handler. — Bill Simmons
Dog-show testicle inspections reportedly guard against disqualifying single testicles and implants; the rule prompts jokes and objections to canine elitism. — Mallory Rubin
Higgins reportedly organized an on-set vocal group with Lynch, O’Hara and Levy; his Letterman performance and voice work reinforce the wish he had more roles. — Mallory Rubin
Guest’s inherited barony, former House of Lords seat and Jamie Lee Curtis’s corresponding title are recounted as research trivia. — Mallory Rubin

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27:22

Roger Ebert's review

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:27:22Read transcript

The reported budget is $10.8 million and gross $20 million. — Bill Simmons
Ebert awarded three and a half stars and praised the film’s sustained humor and occasional crazed genius. — Bill Simmons

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28:44

Most Rewatchable Scene

Cookie’s injury; Starbucks courtship; dinner with Max

In the discussion (23)

Approx. transcript time · 00:28:44Read transcript

The opening Swans therapy session is nominated, with the delayed reveal that the supposedly traumatized child is a dog praised as one of cinema’s great openings. — Bill Simmons
The Flecks’ introduction is nominated: Cookie corrects dozens of boyfriends to hundreds, Gerry’s ugly school photograph undercuts his Casanova claim, and his two left feet set up the finale. — Bill Simmons
Scott and Stefan’s meat-market introduction, college photo and hotel-room decoration are celebrated as consistently funny. — Mallory Rubin
Leslie and Sherri Ann’s introduction, shared soup and snow-pea interests and conversational emptiness are favorite moments; Coolidge’s American Pie connection to Levy reportedly led to Guest’s ensemble. — Bill Simmons
Christy’s explanation of a supposedly functional family model, ending in her mother’s suicide, is a nominated scene. — Bill Simmons
Dinner with Cookie’s old boyfriend is the explicit scene pick, defended through Zach’s toy parachuter, the father’s hostage-negotiator boasting, Gerry’s breast compliment and the violent threats when Zach climbs outside. — Bill Simmons
The dinner scene receives dissent: Cookie’s brazen exes work better when encountered unexpectedly at the party or recording studio. — Mallory Rubin
The pre-show party’s melting ice sculpture and another former lover praising Cookie’s waitressing are nominated; her repeated reassurance that Gerry is her future sustains the joke. — Bill Simmons
The missing Busy Bee sequence is nominated for Posey’s frantic performance, Hamilton entering the crate and the escalating demands to retrieve the toy.
The Swans’ two-Starbucks courtship and catalog upbringing are an explicit number-one scene choice. — Bill Simmons
The airport argument is another scene nomination and a recognizable portrait of a couple blaming each other over a pet’s needs. — Mallory Rubin
Harlan’s long party story tormenting the Swans and Hamilton’s jacket question are additional pre-show highlights. — Mallory Rubin
Willard’s Sherlock Holmes dog-costume idea, Christy’s makeup refusal and attempts to unsettle Harlan lead into the shih-tzu airplane joke. — Mallory Rubin
Scott and Stefan mocking Christy while watching television is another highlight. — Mallory Rubin
Willard’s priest aside, terrier count, miniature-dog breeding question and dog-bathing book title are praised as inspired commentary. — Mallory Rubin
Meg’s toy-store search is nominated for its terrifying quiet rage, the bear-in-a-bee-costume rejection and her insistence she asked for an unavailable toy rather than an opinion; Posey is judged capable of more leading roles. — Bill Simmons
Beatrice attacking the judge inspires the ham and Shoeless Joe Jackson commentary; the Rhapsody-has-two-mommies line adds to Higgins’s flawless comic run. — Mallory Rubin
Cookie’s injury and limp followed by Gerry handling Winky is an explicit favorite; Willard’s questions about the dogs knowing the stakes, Gerry’s feet and the repeated proctologist joke sustain the climax. — Bill Simmons
Every part of the six-month epilogue is praised, including the therapy bookend and the Flecks’ Captain and Cookie cassette; Busy Bee is the first memorabilia choice and the cassette second. — Mallory Rubin
The epilogue’s dog songs anticipate A Mighty Wind, and recording engineer Bulge recognizing Cookie provides another payoff to her romantic history. — Bill Simmons
American Bitch magazine, dogs posed as classic-film characters and Kipper’s leg-humping therapy epilogue are closing-scene highlights; Casablanca is the favorite photo recreation. — Mallory Rubin
The omission of Harlan from one scene list is acknowledged; the final choice between Busy Bee and Cookie’s injury settles on the injury because it is impossible to look away.
Cookie’s limp is proposed as an underused sports-injury meme; Joanna explicitly chooses the Starbucks-and-catalog scene. — Mallory Rubin

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48:55

The most 2000 thing

Starbucks and catalogs

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:48:55Read transcript

The Starbucks courtship and catalog upbringing are the most-2000 choice. — Mallory Rubin

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49:45

What’s Aged the Best?

Ensemble chemistry; pet-owner satire; Busy Bee; Rhapsody’s loss

In the discussion (8)

Approx. transcript time · 00:49:45Read transcript

Mockumentary filmmaking is an aged-best choice; its scarcity is attributed to the difficulty of sustaining good improvisation rather than lack of influence on Apatow-era comedy. — Mallory Rubin
Everything is initially judged to have aged well, especially the satire of pet owners, whose social-media behavior now rivals parody. — Bill Simmons
The film is credited with increasing interest in dog shows, compared with spelling-bee documentaries and Rounders’ poker influence. — Mallory Rubin
O’Hara and Levy’s enduring chemistry, the Swans’ yuppie caricature, Scott and the mismatched broadcast booth are singled out as aged-best elements.
Rhapsody’s upset loss, Busy Bee’s outsized importance and the dog treadmill are additional aged-best choices. — Mallory Rubin
Levy’s uncomfortable teeth and crossed-eye commitment are praised. — Mallory Rubin
The hotel rock-band story is identified as a Spinal Tap callback, and Begley’s attempt to sell the utility closet as accommodation is praised. — Mallory Rubin
The AM Philadelphia broadcaster and the Swans’ elaborate coffee orders are aged-best details. — Mallory Rubin

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54:50

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Cafeteria food; meat counter; popcorn; frozen yogurt

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:54:50Read transcript

Sherri Ann describing the food as cafeteria food receives agreement as an initial food choice. — Bill Simmons
Other food candidates are the oversized half-butter/half-salt popcorn, Sherri Ann’s frozen yogurt and the meat-counter scene, with the last receiving an affirmative response. — Bill Simmons

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55:37

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

The terrier song

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:55:37Read transcript

The terrier song is selected over the other dog song for needle drop, with its small-sturdy-bright-and-true lyric and an emotional listener praised. — Bill Simmons

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55:52

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Harlan Pepper; Stefan Vanderhoof; Rhapsody in White

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:55:52Read transcript

Stefan Vanderhoof, Harlan Pepper, Bulge and Theodore W. Millbank III compete for best human character name without a single agreed choice. — Bill Simmons
Rhapsody in White is the agreed dog-name choice, with the contrast to Butch also amusing. — Bill Simmons

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56:23

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

Stefan asks his ex-wife about Scott

Flex pick · Joanna Robinson

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:56:23Read transcript

Stefan’s account of spotting Scott with a borzoi and asking his ex-wife who he was is selected for its implied backstory. — Joanna Robinson

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57:03

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Harlan Pepper, disputed

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:57:03Read transcript

Harlan Pepper is proposed as weak link: his joke becomes apparent quickly and the ventriloquism is less appealing, though the nut monologue works; more Higgins and McKean is preferred. — Mallory Rubin
Harlan is defended for matching Hubert’s mellow energy, his puppy-photo album and genuine love for a dog he calls noble; a future victory is predicted. — Mallory Rubin
The Harlan criticism is clarified as excessive screen time rather than dislike; his solo scenes lack another character to play against, though a single owner’s pet relationship is valued. — Bill Simmons

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58:45

What’s Aged the Worst?

Harlan’s ventriloquism; Mayflower officials

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:58:45Read transcript

Aged-worst suggestions are reluctantly limited to Harlan’s ventriloquism and the Mayflower officials’ interstitial scenes; more of the judge would be preferable, while the hotel-manager scenes remain valuable. — Mallory Rubin
More time at the ice-sculpture party is desired; casting Don Davis as the distant judge prompts speculation about cut material. — Mallory Rubin

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1:00:21

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Michael Hitchcock as Hamilton

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:00:21Read transcript

Hamilton wins overacting with agreement, explicitly without treating the Swans’ heightened behavior as a flaw; Hitchcock reportedly used retainers and struggled against a lisp. — Mallory Rubin

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1:02:07

Is There a Porn Parody of This Movie?

Best in Blow; Breast in Show; Best in Peep Show

Flex pick · Mallory Rubin

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:07Read transcript

Best in Blow, Breast in Show, American Bitch and Best in Peep Show are proposed without claiming an existing porn parody. — Mallory Rubin

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1:03:25

Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene?

The Swans; Cookie flashbacks

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:03:25Read transcript

A better-sex-scene discussion proposes the Swans working through another Kama Sutra position with Kipper observing, while acknowledging the PG film has no sex scene. — Bill Simmons
Nonexplicit flashbacks to Cookie’s romantic history are proposed as another sex-scene addition.

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1:04:13

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

A television series could have earned much more

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:04:13Read transcript

The hottest take is that a television or miniseries version might have used the footage and earned much more, with the counterpoint that the compact film might otherwise have worn out its welcome.
A recurring dog-show series would retain the Flecks, Scott and Stefan, then also Christy and Sherri Ann; Harlan could be replaced by a new contestant. — Bill Simmons

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1:05:25

Casting What-Ifs

None found

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:25Read transcript

No casting what-ifs could be found. — Mallory Rubin

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1:05:31

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Patrick Cranshaw

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:31Read transcript

Patrick Cranshaw as Leslie Ward Cabot is the leading that-guy choice, with Malcolm Stewart as Cookie’s former lover also offered. — Mallory Rubin
Rachael Harris, Don Davis and Larry Miller are additional that-guy candidates; Bob Balaban is considered too recognizably himself.
The that-guy threshold is challenged: Begley, Higgins, Willard and Balaban may be unnamed familiar faces to ordinary viewers; including O’Hara is disputed after Schitt’s Creek, though the cast’s 2000 status is acknowledged.

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1:06:29

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Larry Miller as Max Berman

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:29Read transcript

Larry Miller as Max Berman is the heat-check pick, with Leslie Ward Cabot also nominated despite having almost no dialogue. — Mallory Rubin
Harlan’s friends and the pet-shop owner are further heat-check candidates, the latter praised for holding steady opposite Posey. — Bill Simmons

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1:07:03

Recasting Couch

Will Ferrell as Hamilton, disputed; Baltimore or Boston

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:03Read transcript

Recasting the city raises Baltimore, while Boston or Philadelphia is defended for an old-money atmosphere. — Mallory Rubin
Will Ferrell is proposed to replace Hitchcock as Hamilton; his shouting and uptight sketches support the idea, but his twinkle may undermine the character’s unpleasantness. — Mallory Rubin
Hitchcock is defended as fitting the role; Ferrell could play a different version, and his less-established 2000 persona might make the recast easier. — Bill Simmons

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1:09:47

Brandy Booth Award for Best Performance by a Pet

Beatrice; Hubert

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:09:47Read transcript

The Brandy Booth pet-performance category is introduced belatedly: Hubert is admired, but Beatrice is proposed for requiring the widest range. — Mallory Rubin

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1:11:40

Apex Mountain

Guest; Higgins; terrier songs; pet-owner movies

In the discussion (11)

Approx. transcript time · 01:11:40Read transcript

Guest receives an agreed Apex yes because this was when he had the most influence.
Willard’s Fernwood success in the 1970s complicates his Apex candidacy. — Bill Simmons
John Michael Higgins receives an Apex yes. — Mallory Rubin
O’Hara receives no settled alternate peak, with Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek and After Hours discussed instead of this film. — Bill Simmons
McKean’s Apex is placed at Better Call Saul. — Mallory Rubin
Coolidge’s Apex is The White Lotus, while Legally Blonde and Stifler’s Mom support the possibility of more than one peak; a confused Stacy’s Mom song reference is explicitly corrected. — Mallory Rubin
Willard’s Apex is ultimately no; dog shows are qualified against Westminster itself, while goat roasting, AM Philadelphia, terrier songs, American Bitch and pet-owner movies receive affirmative responses. — Mallory Rubin
Lynch’s Apex is Glee. — Bill Simmons
Posey’s peak is tentatively placed in the mid-1990s, with Dazed and Confused and Guffman mentioned, although her lack of a clear major peak is lamented. — Bill Simmons
Levy’s Apex is Schitt’s Creek, including the added significance of working with his son. — Bill Simmons
Best in Show is at least a top-ten comedy ensemble; Anchorman and Bridesmaids are comparison candidates, and Anchorman becomes the tentative best ensemble rather than an enumerated top-ten list. — Bill Simmons

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1:16:04

Cruise or Hanks?

Hanks as Harlan or Hamilton

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:04Read transcript

Hanks wins over Cruise, potentially as Harlan or Hamilton. — Mallory Rubin
Hanks’s Black Jeopardy persona is offered as a model for the film. — Mallory Rubin

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1:16:31

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Spielberg

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:31Read transcript

Spielberg wins over Scorsese. — Mallory Rubin

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1:16:34

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Stefan; Hamilton; Trevor Beckwith

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:34Read transcript

Stefan is proposed for Hoffman. — Mallory Rubin
Hamilton is proposed for Hoffman opposite Posey. — Bill Simmons
Trevor Beckwith is proposed for Hoffman with an English accent and mounting exasperation. — Bill Simmons

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1:17:03

The Dan Campbell Scale for “Holy Shit, Are They Really Going for It Right Now?”

Max kisses Cookie in front of Jerry

Flex pick · Mallory Rubin

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:03Read transcript

Max making Cookie hand off the dog before kissing her in front of Gerry and everyone else is the choice. — Bill Simmons

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1:17:33

Picking Nits

Utility closet; search timing; missing nuts; Winky’s win

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:33Read transcript

The utility-closet lodging is questioned because the Flecks could sleep in their Winnebago, and room service makes little sense with only $34. — Bill Simmons
Meg’s hotel and pet-store searches seem to require more than the stated thirty minutes. — Mallory Rubin
Harlan’s nut monologue is challenged for omitting walnut, almond, pecan, Brazil nut and chestnut while repeating pistachio variants. — Mallory Rubin
Winky’s victory is questioned against Hubert, then defended because Hubert is framed as a future champion. — Craig Horlbeck
Winky’s win is also defended as the Flecks’ deserved family victory after Gerry’s humiliation and their financial trouble; a Hubert preference remains. — Mallory Rubin
Cookie’s unexplained fall prompts a sabotage question and a nitpick that she appears to trip over nothing. — Mallory Rubin

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1:21:21

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

Cookie Fleck prequel; new-generation sequel

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:21:21Read transcript

A Cookie Fleck prequel following her early-1980s adventures, including the roller coaster, is the remake/prequel proposal. — Mallory Rubin
Ariana Grande’s reported online recreation of the film, playing Coolidge and Gerry, is praised and inspires a new-generation version. — Craig Horlbeck
The new-version idea is clarified as a different story in Guest’s world rather than a direct remake; returning original characters as in Cobra Kai receives both interest and an objection to rehashing. — Craig Horlbeck

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1:21:56

Is This Movie Better With…?

Danny Trejo; Sam Jackson; Wayne Jenkins; Tony Romo

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:21:56Read transcript

Tony Romo as a commentator is floated in the better-with discussion. — Bill Simmons
Danny Trejo is proposed because his serious commitment could suit Guest’s comedy. — Bill Simmons
Sam Jackson is proposed, perhaps for a sequel, alongside a desire for more large dog breeds. — Mallory Rubin
Wayne Jenkins arriving from Baltimore with a Rottweiler and confronting Hamilton backstage is another better-with proposal. — Mallory Rubin

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1:23:33

Just One Oscar

Catherine O’Hara; editing; Fred Willard

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:23:33Read transcript

Guest’s directing and writing are considered for the single Oscar before editing receives support; improvisation is raised as a concern about choosing screenplay. — Mallory Rubin
O’Hara is proposed for the Oscar because her comparatively understated performance grounds the more extreme caricatures, with the limp jokingly offered as her ceremony clip. — Mallory Rubin
The contemporary supporting-actress nominees are compared, with disagreement over Kate Hudson versus Frances McDormand in Almost Famous. — Bill Simmons
Willard is proposed for supporting actor, then reconsidered against O’Hara after reviewing a strong field; another response agrees with Craig’s editing pick, and the O’Hara case gains support. — Mallory Rubin
O’Hara is separated as the Oscar choice from Willard as an anticipated movie winner; Posey, Levy, Coolidge and Lynch are also considered difficult to replace. — Mallory Rubin

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1:33:39

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Busy Bee

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:33:39Read transcript

Busy Bee is the clear memorabilia choice, with the traveling quilt, framed American Bitch cover and the Swans’ vintage Sharper Image furniture or kickboxing dummy as alternatives. — Mallory Rubin

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1:34:27

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Keep a spare favorite toy; two left feet need not stop you

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:34:27Read transcript

Life lessons include hope despite two left feet, readiness to enter a dog show and a joking recommendation not to miss a chance with Cookie. — Mallory Rubin
Keeping spare favorite pet or child toys and packing enough kimonos are further life lessons; multiple Murph wishbones and Halo mint sticks illustrate the toy advice. — Mallory Rubin

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1:35:19

Best Double Feature

Waiting for Guffman

Waiting for Guffman

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:35:19Read transcript

Waiting for Guffman is the agreed double feature; a Schitt’s Creek rewatch is desired but excluded by the movies-only rule. — Mallory Rubin

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1:35:34

Who Won the Movie?

John Michael Higgins; Fred Willard

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 01:35:34Read transcript

Higgins is one explicit movie-winner choice; another response cannot settle among Higgins, Posey, O’Hara and Willard. — Mallory Rubin
Willard is the other settled winner choice, favored over Higgins because his performance is the film’s most widely recognized; Higgins is characterized as the deeper repeat-viewing choice. — Bill Simmons

Podcast choices

Mallory Rubin: John Michael Higgins
Bill Simmons: Fred Willard

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1:36:08

Producer review

Loved its ensemble and unusually strong third act

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:36:08Read transcript

The first-time viewer loved the film’s ensemble, sustained suspense and unusually strong comic third act, comparing successful improvisation to professional sports. — Mallory Rubin
The comedy may appeal more to adults than teenagers despite its PG subject matter. — Mallory Rubin
Social-media familiarity with eccentric pet owners may make the film feel less strange now; its reported $20 million domestic gross without a major star is admired. — Mallory Rubin
Liz Kelly’s favorite moments are reported as O’Hara’s knee injury and Max berating his son on the shed. — Craig Horlbeck

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More from the conversation

The White Lotus podcast collaboration and two shared stars motivate the selection; the film’s twenty-fifth anniversary is also noted.

Approx. transcript time · 00:01:23Read transcript

Spinal Tap, Best in Show and Borat are proposed as essential mockumentary Mount Rushmore entries, with Waiting for Guffman agreed as the fourth; Popstar and Brüno are alternatives, while television’s The Office is excluded from the movie-only frame.

Approx. transcript time · 00:03:36Read transcript

Winky and Hubert are the favorite-dog finalists; Rhapsody is jokingly treated as the villain.

Approx. transcript time · 00:04:39Read transcript

A childhood dog’s supposed trip to a farm is recalled as a belatedly explained removal of an aggressive puppy; the discussion reacts with dismay.

Approx. transcript time · 00:05:47Read transcript

Hubert is chosen for his mellow personality, large ears and squishable face, although bloodhound drool and suitability for Los Angeles home life are questioned.

Approx. transcript time · 00:06:16Read transcript

Human names, birthdays and intense attachment to dogs are compared with the film’s pet obsession; Murph’s Instagram voice becomes a personal example.

Approx. transcript time · 00:07:39Read transcript

Breed-themed household decorations and exclusive attachment to a beloved cat prompt affectionate jokes about pet-centered lives.

Approx. transcript time · 00:08:47Read transcript

A personal story reveals a parent became a handler for the family’s Portuguese water show dog.

Approx. transcript time · 00:09:51Read transcript

A missing border collie is remarked on amid comparisons of energetic dog companionship and cats’ more selective affection.

Approx. transcript time · 00:10:31Read transcript

Guest’s oral-history explanation frames his characters as people who take their pursuits seriously without seeing themselves clearly; the Flecks are both sad and lovable.

Approx. transcript time · 00:11:44Read transcript

The heightened characters prompt a suggestion that Guest should make a mockumentary about podcasters.

Approx. transcript time · 00:12:33Read transcript

A podcaster mockumentary could contrast true-crime and sports personalities, although the field may be less narrowly distinctive than dog shows.

Approx. transcript time · 00:12:45Read transcript

Curb Your Enthusiasm is proposed as a cousin of Guest’s ensemble improvisation; The Office and Parks and Recreation also inherit the style, though this film reportedly began with only a sixteen-page outline.

Approx. transcript time · 00:14:31Read transcript

A cut Parker Posey marijuana sequence is desired, but Guest’s apparent preference for showing only the completed film is acknowledged as an inference.

Approx. transcript time · 00:16:40Read transcript

Deleted scenes are generally defended as deleted for a reason, with Boogie Nights, Blade Runner, Pulp Fiction, alternate Anchorman material and Tommy Boy outtakes discussed as exceptions or comparisons.

Approx. transcript time · 00:17:35Read transcript

Adoption is favored without blaming individual purebred animals; family rescue and breeding experiences complicate the discussion.

Approx. transcript time · 00:19:22Read transcript

A possible future dog-movie month prompts Marley & Me, Must Love Dogs, Air Bud, A Dog’s Purpose, The Art of Racing in the Rain and Homeward Bound examples; the Paul Walker film is corrected from Snow Dogs to Eight Below, with Snow Dogs associated with Cuba Gooding Jr.

Approx. transcript time · 00:20:02Read transcript

The film is named a favorite comedy and a top-five personal movie; its truthful absurdity, Cookie’s limp and the Busy Bee bit supply lasting family laughter. O’Hara’s walk reportedly came from her father.

Approx. transcript time · 00:21:12Read transcript

Waiting for Guffman is preferred by another response, while Best in Show’s relationship stories and uncertainty about the couples’ futures are especially valued.

Approx. transcript time · 00:22:36Read transcript

Higgins and McKean’s partnership is singled out; Higgins seemed capable of much bigger stardom, with their dynamic described as balloon and string.

Approx. transcript time · 00:23:05Read transcript

Fred Willard’s commentary and the recurring suggestion that everyone recognizes Cookie are favorite comic elements.

Approx. transcript time · 00:23:44Read transcript

The commentary was reportedly recorded in one day facing an empty arena while Guest described the action; Jim’s escalating frustration beneath British politeness is praised.

Approx. transcript time · 00:24:02Read transcript

Willard’s performance is called his career highlight and an iconic favorite, compared with Dodgeball’s commentary and real sports announcers whose behavior approached the caricature.

Approx. transcript time · 00:24:57Read transcript

Guest’s SNL synchronized-swimming sketch anticipates his mockumentaries; Spinal Tap’s cable afterlife and Princess Bride are recalled, while McKean’s SNL stint is considered a poor fit.

Approx. transcript time · 00:26:04Read transcript

The panel regards the film as an immediate four-star keeper whose jokes reward repeat viewings.

Approx. transcript time · 00:27:57Read transcript

Christy and Sherri Ann could sustain a spin-off sitcom or magazine workplace show; Lynch’s later success felt unsurprising after this breakthrough.

Approx. transcript time · 00:34:35Read transcript

Jerry’s win plays as an emotional underdog sports ending; an incidental joke labels this quietly sports-movie month before admitting only two of four selections fit.

Approx. transcript time · 00:45:31Read transcript

Adult-industry and furry conventions are suggested as potential Guest mockumentary worlds.

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:58Read transcript

Almost Famous inspires discussion of a future multi-panel episode and whether Hudson’s missing Oscar altered her career; the broader preference for first-time winners is debated.

Approx. transcript time · 01:25:10Read transcript

Dog temperaments, small-dog barking and golden-retriever shedding become a personal digression.

Approx. transcript time · 01:29:14Read transcript

Rocky is recalled as slower than its remembered image and later sequels.

Approx. transcript time · 01:38:20Read transcript

The closing credit explicitly names Craig Horlbeck as producer and promotes House of R and the ongoing White Lotus coverage.

Approx. transcript time · 01:41:44Read transcript