The Big Year (2011)
- Release Date: 10/14/2011
- Rating: PG
- Runtime: Not Yet Available
- Genre: Comedy
- Director: David Frankel
- Cast: Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Steve Martin, Rashida Jones
Delving into the subculture of hard-core birders (don’t call them bird-watchers), the film follows three men, semi-retired industrialist Stu (Martin), schlubby corporate drone Brad (Black), and suburban contractor Kenny (Wilson), as they vie in a year-long competition known as the Big Year. The goal of the competition is simple: to spot as many as many different bird species in North America as possible. As current Big Year record-holder, Kenny is something of a rock star in the birding world. His cocky, carefree manner masks a stark determination to defend his hard-won celebrity – and his fragile ego – against the likes of upstarts Stu and Brad, both of whom are Big Year rookies. None of the three leads stray far from type, but they do offer slight tweaks to their usual screen personas: Wilson is sly and Machiavellian; Black tones down the buffoonery, limiting himself to two (by my rough count) pratfalls; Martin’s sardonicism is tempered with humility.
There’s no prize for winning a Big Year; the sole reward is the adulation of fellow members of the birding community. Competition is surprisingly fierce. The three men frantically criss-cross the continent, darting from one remote location to another in search of the next rare find. At first wary of each other, Stu and Brad eventually unite over a mutual desire to defeat Kenny, whose crafty gamesmanship has frustrated them both. Their strategic pact gradually evolves into a genuine friendship, leading both men to discover that there are more important things in life than winning an amateur birding competition.
Shot on location in British Columbia, the Canadian Yukon, Upstate New York, Joshua Tree, and the Florida Everglades, The Big Yearis a visually striking film, showcasing one breathtaking panorama after another. At times, director Frankel appears more interested in the scenery than his characters, who, despite the script's copious exposition, aren't particularly well-developed. The story at times seem aimless and unfocused, and its relaxed pace may prove vexing for some. Indeed, it did for me at first. But once I adjusted to its easygoing rhythm, the film’s modest charms began to reveal themselves.
cast
| Cast overview | |||
 | Jack Black | ... | Brad Harris |
 | Zahf Paroo | ... | |
 | John Cleese | ... | Historical Montage Narrator |
 | Owen Wilson | ... | Kenny Bostick |
 | Rosamund Pike | ... | Jessica |
 | Steve Martin | ... | Stu Preissler |
 | Kevin Pollak | ... | Jim Gittelson |
 | Joel McHale | ... | Barry Loomis |
 | JoBeth Williams | ... | Edith |
 | Paul Campbell | ... | Tony |
 | Eva Allan | ... | Birder's Daughter |
 | Barry Shabaka Henley | ... | Dr. Neil Kramer |
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User Reviews
Never in a million years did I ever think that I would be watching a film about people watching birds. The activity of birding (formally known as bird watching) was entirely a new concept to me. I had never heard of such a thing as "The Big Year" contest and the fact that it is based on the honor systems really blows the mind (and the conscience). Before I delve into the actual film contents I just want to say that I recognize Jack Black (Brad Harris), Steve Martin (Stu Preissler) and Owen Wilson (Kenny Bostick) as exceptional actors. They all added their own style and comedic relevance to the film. If you consider yourself an avid "birder", then I think that you would have a deeper appreciation for this film than those of us who are not all that interested. The only bird that I have found to be fascinating is the hummingbird (which is the only bird that has the ability to fly backwards). I also have a tattoo of one on my right thigh which shows that I truly love this bird, other than that, not really interested in birds that much. Some of the scenery depicted in this film was truly breath-taking and it did take you to places that you would not ordinarily think of when looking for birds. There were plenty of supporting actors in the film including Anjelica Huston (Annie Auklet) and Brian Dennehy (Martin Harris). I do not think that this was Director David Frankel's best work. I enjoyed "The Devil Wears Prada" much more. It would have been a kick if some time during the film, a flock of animated Angry Birds went screeching across the screen. Now that would have been hilarious. Sometimes I think that I have a really weird sense of humor, but oh well. Although I found this film to be rather mild-mannered, the actors gave credence to the film and made it kind of interesting to watch. If you are bored and want to have a relaxing couple of hours out of the house, then I recommend that you take flight and go and see this film. However, if you are not interested in birds all that much, but want to see the top-notch actors interact, then wait until it comes out on DVD. This film gave me a rather Luke-warm feeling when it was over and for that reason I am giving this film an amber light.Movie news
Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Wilson Keep the 'The Big Year' Trailer Light
There is something to be said for the feel-good movie.
In the past, the notion has been admonished for "lack of substance" or "too little at stake." Recent upheaval of movies like this summer's Horrible Bosses has illustrated that people are turning more and more towards dark and dangerous comedies. Sure, they're more of a rush. Perhaps they're a better depiction of our twisted world. But does that mean there is no value in softer, sweeter comedies, like The Big Year?
Absolutely not. In fact, films like this one (a movie wherein three frustrated men of varying ages take a "year off" to live out their dreams) are terribly important because of the type of world we live in. It's difficult to channel your own tenderness when surrounded by everything but. However, movies have a special way of getting in touch with feelings we often didn't know (or wish we didn't know) were so accessible.
The Big Year stars Steve Martin as a businessman anxious over his imminent retirement, Owen Wilson as an aging playboy coming to grips with a necessary change in lifestyle, and Jack Black as a lonely slacker. How the three are connected is as of yet unclear, but they team up to leave out a year wherein they do nothing but make all of their dreams come true. They take to daredevil activities, appreciation of nature, and probably some unexpected realizations. Yes, it'll be a light comedy with some light drama. But that's something we could all use every now and again. And above and beyond all, it's got comic genius in the form of its lead cast.
In the past, the notion has been admonished for "lack of substance" or "too little at stake." Recent upheaval of movies like this summer's Horrible Bosses has illustrated that people are turning more and more towards dark and dangerous comedies. Sure, they're more of a rush. Perhaps they're a better depiction of our twisted world. But does that mean there is no value in softer, sweeter comedies, like The Big Year?
Absolutely not. In fact, films like this one (a movie wherein three frustrated men of varying ages take a "year off" to live out their dreams) are terribly important because of the type of world we live in. It's difficult to channel your own tenderness when surrounded by everything but. However, movies have a special way of getting in touch with feelings we often didn't know (or wish we didn't know) were so accessible.
The Big Year stars Steve Martin as a businessman anxious over his imminent retirement, Owen Wilson as an aging playboy coming to grips with a necessary change in lifestyle, and Jack Black as a lonely slacker. How the three are connected is as of yet unclear, but they team up to leave out a year wherein they do nothing but make all of their dreams come true. They take to daredevil activities, appreciation of nature, and probably some unexpected realizations. Yes, it'll be a light comedy with some light drama. But that's something we could all use every now and again. And above and beyond all, it's got comic genius in the form of its lead cast.
Martin to Have a 'Big Year' With Black, Wilson
Steve Martin in is negotiations to join The Big Year alongside Jack Black and Owen Wilson.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the recent Oscar host would star in the comedy about three men who try to outdo each other in a bird-watching competition to spot the rarest birds in North America.
The Fox 2000 film starts shooting in May in Canada and will be directed by David Frankel. It’s based on the 1998 book The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession, by Mark Obmascik.
The script was adapted Howard Franklin.
Producing are Karen Rosenfelt, Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld of Red Hour Films along with Curtis Hanson and Carol Fenelon of Deuce Three Prods.
The project has long been in development and for a while had Dustin Hoffman attached, among others.
Story: http://www.hollywoodwiretap.com/?module=news&action=story&id=46220
