The Big Year (2011)
In the opening narration of The Big Year, Jack Black asks the audience, “Who doesn’t love birds?” While it’s true that most of the people who rent this movie will love birds, since the movie is about a year-long birding competition, it’s not universal. Case in point is yours truly. Before I watched this movie, I’d never heard of the term “birding” and had no idea what the title even meant. I still don’t like birds, but I own a DVD copy and watch this delightful movie all the time. So, even though the movie is about the characters’ love of birds, it’s not really about birds. It’s about competition, friendship, family, and self-discovery.
There’s an actual term called a “big year”, during which “birders” travel all over North America to look at or listen to different species of birds. Whoever tallies the most species, on the honor system, wins the competition. In the movie, Owen Wilson is the previous world champion, with a total of over 700 birds, and his competitive streak gets out of control as he fears someone else might try and beat his record. Steve Martin is a successful businessman, finally retiring and planning to do a big year as he’s dreamed of for decades. Jack Black is an ordinary guy who wants to do a big year, even though it’ll use up every penny he has and drive a wedge between him and his father.
As the three leads set off across the country in search of birds, they learn just how serious birdwatching can get. Owen’s marriage to Rosamund Pike suffers as he becomes more driven and obsessed. Steve’s company keeps calling him back, and with first-time grandfatherhood approaching, he’s not sure how much he wants to really be away from home. Jack uses up all his savings, goes into debt, and continually fights with his dad, Brian Dennehy. Brian gives some great fatherly expressions, both unsupportive and understanding, and his wife, Dianne Weist is so adorable and always supports her little boy. In one scene, Dianne pretends that Brian wants to talk to Jack on the phone, even as he’s waving her off. “He’s grabbing the phone!” she says, before shoving the phone in Brian’s face and insisting he talk to his son.
Steve also gets to show off his acting chops in this movie, especially in my favorite scene when he meets his grandson. How cool is it that he’s been in three movies where his grandson is named after him, and all before he had a child of his own in real life? It’s a very sweet scene, and he’s so great with the baby. If you’re a fan of any of the three leads, or if you’re looking for a hobby after retirement—my dad developed a love of birds after watching it, you’ve got to rent this sweet family-friendly flick.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. When Owen Wilson tries to make Steve Martin seasick, the power of suggestion might get to you. Also, when Jack Black runs in the snowy forest, there’s some handheld camera and it will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Steve Martin movies here!
More Owen Wilson movies here!
There’s an actual term called a “big year”, during which “birders” travel all over North America to look at or listen to different species of birds. Whoever tallies the most species, on the honor system, wins the competition. In the movie, Owen Wilson is the previous world champion, with a total of over 700 birds, and his competitive streak gets out of control as he fears someone else might try and beat his record. Steve Martin is a successful businessman, finally retiring and planning to do a big year as he’s dreamed of for decades. Jack Black is an ordinary guy who wants to do a big year, even though it’ll use up every penny he has and drive a wedge between him and his father.
As the three leads set off across the country in search of birds, they learn just how serious birdwatching can get. Owen’s marriage to Rosamund Pike suffers as he becomes more driven and obsessed. Steve’s company keeps calling him back, and with first-time grandfatherhood approaching, he’s not sure how much he wants to really be away from home. Jack uses up all his savings, goes into debt, and continually fights with his dad, Brian Dennehy. Brian gives some great fatherly expressions, both unsupportive and understanding, and his wife, Dianne Weist is so adorable and always supports her little boy. In one scene, Dianne pretends that Brian wants to talk to Jack on the phone, even as he’s waving her off. “He’s grabbing the phone!” she says, before shoving the phone in Brian’s face and insisting he talk to his son.
Steve also gets to show off his acting chops in this movie, especially in my favorite scene when he meets his grandson. How cool is it that he’s been in three movies where his grandson is named after him, and all before he had a child of his own in real life? It’s a very sweet scene, and he’s so great with the baby. If you’re a fan of any of the three leads, or if you’re looking for a hobby after retirement—my dad developed a love of birds after watching it, you’ve got to rent this sweet family-friendly flick.
DLM warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. When Owen Wilson tries to make Steve Martin seasick, the power of suggestion might get to you. Also, when Jack Black runs in the snowy forest, there’s some handheld camera and it will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
More Steve Martin movies here!
More Owen Wilson movies here!