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Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Rashida Jones, Brian Dennehy ... see more see more... , Anjelica Huston , Rosamund Pike , Dianne Wiest , JoBeth Williams , Anthony Anderson , Joel McHale , Tim Blake Nelson , Jim Parsons , Kevin Pollak , John Cleese , Zahf Paroo , Paul Campbell VIII , Cindy Busby , Greg Kean , Eva Allan , Bill Dow , June Squibb , Craig Bockhorn , Joey Aresco , Ryan Caltagirone , Corbin Bernsen , Barry Shabaka Henley , Al Roker , Christopher Mann , Jan Bos , Kate Gajdosik , William Samples , Nate Torrence , Scott Patey , Marci T. House , Steven Weber , Michael Bean , Christopher Redman , Devon Weigel , Andrew Wilson , Gabrielle Rose , Calum Worthy , Doreem Ramus , Terence Kelly , Steve Darling , Jon Frankel , David Lewis , Kath Dugray , Jesse Moss , Morgan Brayton , Sheelah Megill , Veena Sood , Deejay Jackson , Calvin Lee , Tshering Garie

Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson are at a crossroads -- one is experiencing a mid-life crisis, another a late-life crisis, and the third, a far from ordinary no-life crisis. From David Frankel... read more read more..., the director of The Devil Wears Prada and Marley & Me, comes a sophisticated comedy about three friendly rivals who, tired of being ruled by obligations and responsibilities, dedicate a year of their lives to following their dreams. Their big year takes them on a cross-country journey of wild and life-changing adventures. -- (C) 20th Century Fox

Flixster Users

39% liked it

15,303 ratings

Critics

40% liked it

103 critics

PG, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: David Frankel

Release Date: October 14, 2011

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DVD Release Date: January 31, 2012

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Flixster Reviews (891)

  • SirPant
    May 1, 2012
    SirPant
    This film is nice. Now, there is nothing wrong with the word nice, it may not be the most exciting adjective in the world but there is nothing wrong with what it represents. Ok, I'll try to go one better, this film is pleasant. I'm not trying to be funny, it's just one of those n... read moreon-offencive and just down-right nice films that is just pleasant to watch. I know people were disappointment considering the 3 main high energy cast members, each with a unique comedy style but what did people really want to see? Did you really want this to be a 'Goofy', 'Slapstick', or even 'Gross-out' comedy. I certainly didn't and I'm relieved it wasn't. I suppose it's like Birding itself, easy to make fun of but it's actually quite a lovely thing to do. There is nothing wrong with appreciating the simple things in life, if you agree, I recommend this film to you.
  • theylovealexis
    April 6, 2012
    theylovealexis
    I didn't know what to expect. I love Steve Martin, I will watch anything with him in it. Jack Black on the other hand.. I'm a little more selective. But this movie was really fun and kinda heartwarming in a way.
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    March 17, 2012
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    Two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.

    Excellent Film! A very surprising film which shocked me in how good it was. The plot is simple yet the story really is genuine and very likable that flows so qu... read moreickly that before you know it, it ends. I didn't know 'Birding' even existed but I'm glad I know now and it's something I possibly can do in the future. Acting was excellent and cinematography was superb. Recommended for everyone, go see it!

    In birding, a Big Year is seeing or hearing as many different species of birds as possible in a calendar year. Three men pursue the Birder of the Year title: Kenny Bostick, who's seen a record 732 in a past big year, Stu Preissler, newly retired, and Brad Harris, who narrates the story. Life gets in the way: Bostick's wife wants a baby, Stu's firm needs him for sensitive negotiations, and Brad, divorced and underemployed at 36, has an encouraging mom and a disapproving dad. They criss-cross the U.S. (including a trip to Alaska's westernmost island), follow migration patterns, and head for storms that force birds to ground. Who will win, at what cost, and with what rewards?
  • LWOODS04
    March 8, 2012
    LWOODS04
    Cast: Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston, Rashida Jones, Joel McHale, Jim Parsons, Rosamund Pike

    Director: David Frankel

    Summary: Inspired by Mark Obmascik's nonfiction book of the same name, this high-flying comedy concerns a trio of competitive bird watch... read moreers who vow to win a contest by spotting and recording as many avian species as humanly possible.

    My Thoughts: "I guess this film was as fun to watch as bird watching. Which for me it isn't. For some that are into that kind of stuff, this film will be a joy. I fall in the catergory who foud it to be quite boring. It really didn't get interesting until much later in the film. Most of the scenery was beautiful. The acting was OK. Not the best I've seen from any of the three men, but still solid performances. It wasn't the comedy I was hoping for and wasn't much of a comedy at all honestly. There was a few laughs here and there, but I would call this more of a drama."
  • fb100000145236770
    February 25, 2012
    fb100000145236770
    You would think a movie starring Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson would be hilarious, right? Wrong. "The Big Year" is a movie about 3 bird watchers who are doing a birding competition called the Big Year. The goal is to see the most species of birds in one year. Yes ... read morethat is the actual concept of the movie, and turns out its a real life competition too. There's a couple laughs, but overall the movie is tedious, and a complete waste of all three leads. The movie drags, and is way too long at an hour and forty minutes. Martin's character is probably the best, and the movie could have easily been just about his, and made as a drama and been ok(at best). There are a lot worse movies out there than this, but there are so many that are better, I would advise just to skip it altogether.
  • phubbs1
    February 4, 2012
    phubbs1
    So this went under the radar it seems which is a surprise really with a lead cast of Wilson, Martin, Jack Black and including many well known faces with cameos throughout.

    Not totally surprising after viewing though, the film itself is fine, infact its a lovely original film whi... read morech is very gentle, easy going and an all round family film smiles guaranteed. The one problem is its not really that funny when its clearly suppose to be a strong comedy vehicle with that cast trio. Must mention a now old looking Brian Dennehy who has a great small role as Blacks father in this that really makes you feel good inside.

    That aside it is a great feel good film with some amazing location work and if your into birds then all the better. A more straight laced comedy with all the big names playing it sensible which is nice but the down side being its not overly funny but it still manages to keep you interested.
  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    February 1, 2012
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    "Everyone is searching for something."

    Three avid bird watchers compete to spot the rarest birds in North America at a prestigious annual event.

    REVIEW

    The Big Year is on the surface a well-ju... read moredged comedy with Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson, which does make it pretty sellable. And it is a very nice comedy - nothing too manic or implausible: grown men with an obsession for birds compete to complete the Big Year - to be the one who sees the most varieties of birds in one year on any part of American soil. What lifts this to another level is that is really has heart and amazingly it takes you all over the States, and shows you, and makes you appreciate, the 750 or so native and migrating birds that occupy every conceivable type of landscape from sea to rolling sea. It's kind of the nicest ecofilm you'll ever see - all mixed in with some nice observational human and tips about male friendship and male rivalry. All in all this mix makes for a beautiful gentle film that is easy watching.

    There are some amusing moments, certainly, but it would be more correct to call it a light drama. Martin and (to my surprise) Black are both very good: I wish Black would lay off comedy and stick with straight acting. The scenery and wildlife shots are gorgeous, there is sufficient dramatic tension in this slight story to keep us interested, the supporting players are all interesting, and at stake is how the three competing protagonists balance off The Big Year against the conflicting domestic demands.
  • willyt1
    November 7, 2011
    willyt1
    There are movies out there that are just simply good times at the cinema. They may be somewhat of a comedy but aren't absolutely hilarious. They may be categorized as a drama but aren't quite tear-jerkers. They may have us going to the movies thinking, "How could this be inter... read moreesting," but after we walk down the the stairs of the dimly lit theater and out into the lobby we say, "That was good. Not great. But good." These movies are pleasant times at the cinema and nothing more. They're nothing spectacular but they still make us feel good and put a smile on our face. "The Big Year" is one of these films.

    The movie revolves around three characters played by Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson. What a great cast. These characters partake in a competition known as a "big year." What is it? Bird watching. Hundreds of men and women look for birds all year. Yet when they find them they don't kill them. They just look at them and write down their species. It's a race to see who can find the most types of birds. And get this. The amount of birds someone finds is only said by one's true integrity. No one checks to see if they're cheating. It's all in one's own honesty.

    What fascinates me is that there are really people out there who live like this. Some are not as into the race as others but the ones who are into it, the hardcore ones, those are the interesting ones. Their life may consist of nothing more than a camera, some binoculars, and maybe a hat. That's it. The day they find out the winner of the big year is the biggest day of their life. Nothing else matters in the world to them than being first place in the race. That's incredible to me. And this movie turns it from dorky to cool. This could've been one of the worst movies of the year. Think about it. A movie about bird watching. Really? But it actually came to me as a pleasant surprise. The pros of the film are backed up with a great cast. The chemistry between the three main characters is what makes the movie. Jack Black's leisureness, Steve Martin's old man aspects, mixed with Owen Wilson's know-it-all personality makes for a great trio that's fun to watch.

    If there's anything that's wrong with the movie it's that they don't interact with each other enough. We don't see all three of them together until about a third of the way through the film. Otherwise, as far as the cons go, I can't think of much else. There's not that much wrong with the film. It's not a great movie but it doesn't have a lot of bad things weighing it down either. It's one of those rare films where I just can't seem to crack the criticism.

    The things that I like about the film also include its many great shots of birds in their natural habitat. The cinematography here is breathtaking and just makes you want to go outside and watch whatever the world has to offer. I also like the little Christmas spin the movie puts on itself towards the end. I love almost anything Christmasy in a film. It puts me in a great mood afterward. So, what's my recommendation for this movie? Well, I'd say go see it. You're not going to laugh a lot. You probably won't shed a tear. But what you will do is be charmed by it's essence and pleasantly comfortable with it's wit. It's a good movie. Not great. But good.
  • fb733768972
    October 19, 2011
    fb733768972
    If you want a laugh-out-loud comedy then this is not the movie for you; However, it is great to see the return of many stars that we have come to love, in roles that are not forceful slapstick or over-the-top annoying jokes. This is a very subtle comedy about trying to be the bes... read moret bird watcher in the world. Even though it's light-hearted PG rating may steer to a younger audience, it is no question that the emotions are directed towards an older audience. It is not the greatest film of the year in any way, in fact it's not even worthy of remembering in a year from now, but for the time being, while it is in theatres, I definitely recommend this film. It has tons of heart, an exceedingly amount of devotion, down-to-earth humour, a likeable cast, a story that really hasn't been done before, and scenery that will take your breath away. With countless star cameos, you will never be driven into boredom, and will always find yourself smiling; Although, I must say that I would have enjoyed seeing Jim Parsons in a few more scenes. "The Big Year" is charming, heart-warming, and funny. It may not have oscar-worthy performances, a smashing script, or a life-altering premise, but it sure does make you feel good and I thoroughly enjoyed this film!
  • Chiefilms
    October 17, 2011
    Chiefilms
    Excellent birds. That's all i have to say.

View All The Big Year Reviews

Critic Reviews

Joe Baltake
October 26, 2011
Joe Baltake, Passionate Moviegoer

David Frankel's 'The Big Year': 'There is no there there' Full Review

Liam Lacey
October 21, 2011
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

The result is an offence-free, mild entertainment in which everyone from cast to scriptwriter seems to be winging it. Full Review

Nick Schager
October 17, 2011
Nick Schager, Village Voice

Failing even to attempt genuinely humorous gags or scenarios, and incapable of conveying the thrill of its obsessive pastime or the majesty of the animals themselves, this feel-good male weepie remain... Full Review

Richard Brody
October 17, 2011
Richard Brody, New Yorker

Unfortunately, these comic geniuses are kept caged by the wan script and direction. The best gag in the film is the opening title card; the best joke, a throwaway by a day player. Full Review

Laremy Legel
October 17, 2011
Laremy Legel, Film.com

A very mild movie, but in the nicest sense of the word. Full Review

Peter Rainer
October 14, 2011
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

What a waste that three of our finest actors are utilized as glorified bit players in such an instantly disposable comedy. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
October 14, 2011
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

The Big Year has charms: Not a jawdropping flock of them, but a number of sweet insights and warm laughs just the same. Full Review

Tom Long
October 14, 2011
Tom Long, Detroit News

People watching birds is a nice thing. People watching a movie about people watching birds is sort of a snore. Full Review

Amy Biancolli
October 14, 2011
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

Its charms are as small as its singing feathered friends, but they're real enough, and gentle enough, to lift it and give it flight. Full Review

Colin Covert
October 14, 2011
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

You doubt that even the people making it enjoyed it. A better title would be "The Big Yawn." Full Review

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Facts

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    • Brad Harris: There is going to be a major fallout in a few hours!
    • Bill Clemont: Nuclear fallout?
    • Brad Harris: Bird fallout.
    • Kenny Bostick: The trick is to keep your eyes on the horizon.
    • Kenny Bostick: The birds wait for no man.
    • Brad Harris: Of all courtship rituals in the animal kingdom, the most spectacular by far is that of the bald eagle. The male and female climb to dizzying heights and then ...join in free fall, plummeting toward earth, locked in each others embrace, separating only at the very last moment.
    • Stu Preissler: God, I miss Edith.
    • Kenny Bostick: Yeah, I kind of miss Jess.
    • Kenny Bostick: Cookie?
    • Brad Harris: Yeah okay.
    • Brad Harris: Sucks for him.
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The Big Year : Watch Free on TV

The Big Year Trivia

  • Tom Hanks as a 13 year old kid who likes to play the piano?  Answer »
  • Starring Steve Carell playing Andy Stitzer who thinks he has a big problem now he's 40?  Answer »
  • Who starred as Billy Heywood, the 12 year old manager of the Minnesota Twins, in the movie Little Big League?  Answer »
  • Twelve year old Billy Heywood inherits the Minnesota Twins from his grandfather and subsequently named himself manager of the team. What movie did this happen in?  Answer »
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