PRINTMovie Review: The Big Year
Photo from Rotten Tomatoes
October 15, 2011 | 9:17 a.m. CST
Joining the feathered ranks of Winged Migration, March of the Penguins and The Birds, comes David Frankel’s The Big Year. Inspired by Mark Obmascik’s book, this film follows three competitive birdwatchers in their wild goose chases across North America. Their mission: to spot as many bird species as they can in 365 days.
Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black, the film’s main characters, become like boys in their fervent larking about, fueled by a shared passion that creates challenges in their personal lives. Martin’s colleagues try to keep him in the executive nest, while Wilson’s character continually argues with his wife whenever he leaves the roost to bag a bird, and Black’s character struggles to convince his father that his hobby is worth maxing out his credit cards.
Related MovieWhile The Big Year may hold more appeal for those who have read Obmascik’s book or those who are birders themselves, it contains enjoyable elements to hold the attentions of even the most grounded of folks.
A bromance between Martin and Black’s characters provides some laughs, with their chatting over drinks and grousing at each other. All three birders act like teenagers at times in their secretive disguise of their competitive progress. The men drink to the “one that got away,” talking not of former lovers but of pink-footed geese and snowy owls.
The storyline includes too many examples of life’s ups and downs—the birth of a grandchild, a loved one’s health problems—but redeems itself with its only slightly campy and mostly feel-good nature.
With its Blue-footed Boobies and Himalayan Snowcocks, this film gives those who don’t own a pair of binoculars a look into the zeal of birders.
Overall, this film might not be worth tweeting about, but it’s a lighthearted hoot.
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