The Big Year has some very talented actors starring as well as appearing in this story of a year-long contest to see who can find the most bird species. On the surface it sounds like it could be quite funny, but it really isn’t. It’s more of a buddy film that brings together three very different men who compete for the title of World’s Best Birder.
Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson
Steve Martin plays Stu Preissler, the head of a large company who is retiring to spend time with his family and take part in a Big Year. His wife, played by JoBeth Williams, is supportive of this quest and encourages him to do this, although the contest will keep him away from his family for a large part of the year.
Jack Black plays Brad Harris, a divorced man who has not found a focus for his life. His father, played by Brian Dennehy, wants his son to grow up and get a purpose for himself. He balks at the notion of Brad taking off continually to take part in the Big Year. But Brad’s mother, played by Dianne Wiest, supports her son’s quest, going so far as to become his travel agent during the epic year.
Owen Wilson plays Kenny Bostick, the man who holds the record for bird spotting in a Big Year. His insecurities about losing his title propel him to participate again, just to keep an eye on the competition and to safeguard his record. Bostick is an arrogant, conniving man who ignores his wife and is consumed by the Big Year.
A Trek through North America
The Big Year takes contestants, as well as birders who simply want to see different varieties of birds, through North America. The movie was filmed on location in Atlanta, Georgia and various locations in Canada. The “birders” are hooked into a network that informs them of sightings of birds in specific locations then they drop whatever they are doing (jobs, families, etc.) and head off to that locale.
The Big Year - Review
Jack Black’s character spends every cent he has on this endeavor. Owen Wilson’s character takes the chance on another failed marriage because of his quest. And Steve Martin’s character wants to do something special with his life before settling into a peaceful retirement.
The friendships formed during the course of the year are lasting. I believe viewers will be rooting for Jack Black most of all, and booing Owen Wilson’s character. The most sympathetic competitor is Stu (Martin).
The only salvation for this film is the cast of characters. Besides those already mentioned, Angelica Huston, Kevin Pollack, Joel McHale, Jim Parsons, Al Roker, Steven Weber and a long list of others make appearances in the movie. Although the cast is top notch, they are not enough to salvage the film and make it as enjoyable as it could be, although I know some viewers who disagree with me. On the positive side, there are some great pictures of birds!
The DVD comes with deleted scenes.
The Big Year DVD (also available on Blu-ray and Blu-ray Combo Pack)
- Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 100 minutes
- Release Date: January 31, 2012
