Mascots (2016)

Christopher Guest's Mascots premiered at TIFF earlier this year, but is now available to stream exclusively on Netflix.  This time around, Guest takes takes aim at the subculture of mascot performers, with the action focused around the annual 'Golden Fluffy' competition for excellence in the mascot field.  For those unfamiliar with the Christopher Guest style, the film takes the form of satirical documentary (or 'mockumentary', as it's commonly known), following the various characters through their journey in the competition.  If the film can be said to have a main character, it would be Owen Golly, Jr. (Tom Bennet), a British soccer mascot who is desperately trying to get out of the shadow of his father, who used to perform the same character.  In addition, we are introduced to people like Cindi Babineaux (Parker Posey), a woman who takes what can only be described as a unique approach to being a mascot.  Various others round out the cast, but the story, such as it is, focuses mainly on these two.
As mentioned above, this film is more a series of amusing, semi-improvised events than a true story of any kind.  In a purely comedy driven sense, this works well, but those expecting more in the way of story may be disappointed.  That being said, the cast works well with what they're given.  Past Christopher Guest veterans Euguene Levy and Hank Azaria are sadly not included in this outing, although many others (Bob Balaban, Jane Lynch, Chris O'Dowd) are present, mixing with newcomers such as Zach Woods (formerly Gabe on The Office) and Sarah Baker.  For me, these two provided many of the laughs as a dysfunctional couple who both work as mascots, resulting in a disastrous performance at the competition.  Strangely, some of the most amusing things about this film are purely incidental, throw-away moments.  Things like fully dressed mascots working out the logistics of using the bathroom, or outlandish looking characters playing cards to pass the time.
Not every joke or character in Mascots is perfect, but it's a very enjoyable, funny movie.  I don't feel it quite reaches the heights of Best In Show or This Is Spinal Tap, but it's certainly worth a watch, especially for Christopher Guest fans.