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The Big Year
2011 102 min United States of America, United Kingdom PG 12+
★5.9
Comedy
Director: David Frankel
🎭 Based on
«The Big Year»
byMark Obmascik
Trailers
Description
Three fanatical bird-watchers spend an entire year competing to spot the highest number of species as El Nino sends an extraordinary variety of rare breeds flying up into the U.S., but they quickly discover that there are more important things than coming out on top of the competition.
Budget:
$41M
US Gross:
$7.2M
Worldwide:
$8.2M
Starring
Owen Wilson
Actor
Jack Black
Actor
Steve Martin
Actor
Awards
1 win total
Key opinion
The Big Year is generally viewed as a warm, cozy, and visually appealing film that eschews modern vulgarity in favor of a gentle, character-driven story. While some viewers find it forgettable or lacking in traditional comedic momentum, many appreciate its unique subject matter and earnest exploration of personal priorities.
| Cinematography | The film offers stunning, HD-quality scenery and vivid imagery of birds that elevate the overall visual experience. | |
| Acting | The chemistry and individual performances of the trio—Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson—are widely recognized as a highlight, bringing warmth to their respective roles. | |
| Originality | The premise of a competitive bird-watching circuit serves as an original and refreshing alternative to standard comedy tropes. | |
| Humor | The film succeeds as a wholesome, family-friendly feature that avoids the idiocy and vulgar humor common in many modern comedies. | |
| Pacing | Audiences are split on the tone: some find the contemplative, low-stakes pace soothing and thought-provoking, while others feel the lack of traditional laugh-out-loud comedy makes it feel ordinary or boring. |