After having watched Best in Show earlier this year as part of my Blindspot movies, I was interested in seeing more work by Christopher Guest. This director is known for his mockumentaries, ensemble casts (where various actors return regularly in various films) and his special ways of working, where most of what you are seeing is improvised. Mascots is his latest movie, which is available exclusively through Netflix.
The movie has many similarities to Best in Show. That movie was about the world of dogshows and followed various dog owners who were preparing for one. Mascots is about another competition, which like the title suggests about sports mascots. They get together once a year to compete. The people participating come from all type of backgrounds. Mike (Zach Woods) and Mindy Murray (Sarah Baker) are a married couple, who compete together, but have some issues. Tommy ‘Zook’ Zucarello (Chris O’Dowd) is the bad boy amongst the mascots. He plays a fist and because of his personality has been denied access during specific sports events as a mascot. Together with others they compete, which is judged by an experienced team of former mascots.
Even though I loved Best in Show, Mascots didn’t work as well. The movie is filled with the typcial humour you’ve come to expect of a Guest movie, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work. The buildup to the competition itself isn’t as strong either. When they finally go head to head you don’t feel any suspense. If you’ve never seen a movie by this director this one might not be the best one to start with, but if you do know his work you might want to give it a chance as there are moments which will deliver some enjoyment.
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