If you liked BEST IN SHOW you will love CATWALK. This is a documentary on Netflix about cat shows. They’re like dog shows but even goofier.
CATWALK stars people who you would swear were created by Christopher Guest. But they’re real. And immensely endearing. Part of it may just be that it’s all set in Canada and Canadians, from what I’ve experienced, are incredibly nice. But cat shows are clearly their passion and you find yourself rooting for them.
What was funny to me was this: They’re cats. Unlike dogs, who like to show off and please people, cats are cats. They don’t give a shit. Part of the competition is a little obstacle course and it’s a riot watching these cat owners trying to get their little darlings to jump over a stick or go through a hoop. They’re cats. Stunts on demand are not their thing. Being brushed and groomed for ten hours a day -- that they'll indulge their owners.
There’s certainly a level of absurdity in these cat shows (as there were in the BEST IN SHOW shows), but the participants take it very seriously (which makes it that much funnier). But like I said, after awhile you get sucked in. I found myself actually rooting against a Persian Red. I just didn’t like her attitude.
The documentary focuses on two competing women who are ultimately friendly rivals. Again, I think that’s Canada. If it were set in the US one of the women would Tanya Harding the opposing cat.
These cat shows appear to take place almost every weekend in Canada and these owners schlep their coiffed tabbies through the snow from one drafty exhibition hall to the next. You sure gotta give them points for dedications – especially since the same two or three cats win every week. And it’s not like the also-rans can say to their cats, “Tomorrow you’re going to start taking piano lessons.”
CATWALK covers it all, from the thrill of victory to the agony of hairballs. I give it a blue ribbon.
from By Ken Levine
CATWALK stars people who you would swear were created by Christopher Guest. But they’re real. And immensely endearing. Part of it may just be that it’s all set in Canada and Canadians, from what I’ve experienced, are incredibly nice. But cat shows are clearly their passion and you find yourself rooting for them.
What was funny to me was this: They’re cats. Unlike dogs, who like to show off and please people, cats are cats. They don’t give a shit. Part of the competition is a little obstacle course and it’s a riot watching these cat owners trying to get their little darlings to jump over a stick or go through a hoop. They’re cats. Stunts on demand are not their thing. Being brushed and groomed for ten hours a day -- that they'll indulge their owners.
There’s certainly a level of absurdity in these cat shows (as there were in the BEST IN SHOW shows), but the participants take it very seriously (which makes it that much funnier). But like I said, after awhile you get sucked in. I found myself actually rooting against a Persian Red. I just didn’t like her attitude.
The documentary focuses on two competing women who are ultimately friendly rivals. Again, I think that’s Canada. If it were set in the US one of the women would Tanya Harding the opposing cat.
These cat shows appear to take place almost every weekend in Canada and these owners schlep their coiffed tabbies through the snow from one drafty exhibition hall to the next. You sure gotta give them points for dedications – especially since the same two or three cats win every week. And it’s not like the also-rans can say to their cats, “Tomorrow you’re going to start taking piano lessons.”
CATWALK covers it all, from the thrill of victory to the agony of hairballs. I give it a blue ribbon.
from By Ken Levine
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