Christopher Guest is a comic genius. He is on his way to putting together a series of ensemble comedies that are turning into obsessions. The formula is working so far for both movies, "Waiting for Guffman," and "Best in Show." Get a bunch of people together, some of whom were in your last movie, assign roles, give them a loose idea of what you want in a scene, and let them do their thing. The result is a subtle comedy that delivers knockout laughs. How is this different from most comedies? Guest never even shows a scene of the famous dog pooping inappropriately.

The movie tells several stories simultaneously as a variety of national "Best of Breed" winners meet in Philadelphia to compete in their "Best of Group." The winners then go on to "Best in Show." Here is a rundown of the contenders. Jennifer Coolidge (known as Stiffler's mom from "American Pie"), is a made-up trophy wife. Her butch dog trainer is Jane Lynch. Guest plays a Southern Bloodhound owner. The essential gay roles were played by John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean (SNL). Michael Hitchcock and Parker Posey play a yuppie couple whose lives revolve around their dog. Finally, and most amusingly, there is the most flirtatious former waitress Catherine O'Hara and her nerdy husband played by Eugene Levy. Rounding out the cast is Fred Willard, a color commentator who obviously has no place at the dog show, giving a hilarious performance.

The pace of the movie is quick (about 90 minutes) and lively as the camera is constantly cutting back and forth between stories. This mockumentary is simply a funny little comedy about the obsessions that drive people to ridiculous lengths to compete. "Best in Show" will surely entertain you and might even bring you to your knees laughing. I know it did for me.