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The Big Year (2011) 6.1
Ratings:
6.1/10 from 22,370 users
Metascore: 53/100
Reviews: 106 user | 99 critic | 29 from Metacritic.com Two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition. Director:David Frankel |
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Title: The Big Year (2011)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jack Black | ... | ||
| Zahf Paroo | ... | ||
| John Cleese | ... |
Historical Montage Narrator
(voice)
|
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| Owen Wilson | ... | ||
| Rosamund Pike | ... | ||
| Steve Martin | ... | ||
| Kevin Pollak | ... | ||
| Joel McHale | ... | ||
| JoBeth Williams | ... | ||
| Paul Campbell | ... | ||
| Cindy Busby | ... | ||
 |
Greg Kean | ... | |
| Eva Allan | ... | ||
|
|
Bill Dow | ... | |
| Barry Shabaka Henley | ... | ||
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Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
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? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Genres:
ComedyParents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
14 October 2011 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
O Grande Ano See more »Box Office
Budget:
$41,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$3,251,884 (USA) (14 October 2011)Gross:
$7,204,138 (USA) (16 December 2011)Company Credits
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company contact information
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Brad Harris: There is going to be major fallout in a few hours.
Bill Clemont: Nuclear fallout?
Brad Harris: Bird fallout.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Steve Martin wrote much of the music in his 2011 album,"Rare Bird Alert" (Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers) while on the set for this movie. See more »Goofs
A Great Gray Owl is shown as being found in Virginia. A species of the Northern boreal forest, this raptor is mainly distributed in Canada and Alaska. It only typically ventures into the contiguous United States in the Northern Rocky Mountains and has never been found in Virginia. See more »Quotes
[from trailer]Brad Harris: There is going to be major fallout in a few hours.
Bill Clemont: Nuclear fallout?
Brad Harris: Bird fallout.
See more »
Having read the book by Mark Obmascik and being a birder, I looked forward to 20th Century Fox's film when it was announced over a year ago. I began to get concerned when I saw the trailer which didn't look like book, didn't feature birds and wasn't all that funny. Those unfamiliar with the book or the movie's plot line, a "big year" refers to an informal competition in which birders try to see the most bird species they can within North America (North of Mexico) in one year.
My concerns were put to rest within the first 5 minutes. I found "The Big Year" humorous and thoughtful. The writing avoided the caricatures often associated with birding. I was in shock to see only one bird poop reference and surprisingly no toilet humor (which I would have expected based on the cast). Direction by David Frankel (Marley and Me, Devil wears Prada) was well-paced.
The story centers upon 3 men each going through their own version of a mid-life crisis and hitting the road in search of finding themselves and birds. Owen Wilson plays the record holder for the "Big Year" who is in constant fear that someone is going to top his record. He must decide between his obsession and his wife. Steve Martin plays a successful but retiring businessman who decides to start doing all the things he put on hold over the years. Jack Black, the poorest and youngest of the three, sets out to make a mark and in turn, finds himself. All three actors showed they do have considerable range beyond their usual comedy shtick.
While this story could have generically fit any obsession, the beauty, magic and mystery of birds clearly rings through. Highly Recommended.