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The Big Year (2011)

 -  Comedy  -  14 October 2011 (USA)
6.1
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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.

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(screenplay), (book)
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Historical Montage Narrator (voice)
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Greg Kean ...
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Bill Dow ...
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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>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Genres:

Comedy

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and some sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

14 October 2011 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

O Grande Ano  »

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

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Steve Carell and Dustin Hoffman were both attached to star at one point. See more »

Goofs

The Pink-footed Goose, a North Atlantic species which occasionally vagrates from its European breeding range to the Northeastern coastal states, has never been seen in Texas or Colorado as shown in the film. See more »

Quotes

On Screen Text: [first lines, the text that appears on screen] This is a true story.
On Screen Text: Only the facts have been changed.
See more »

Crazy Credits

During the end credits, photos of every bird found by the winner are shown. See more »

Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #2.13 (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

"Come Fly Away"
by Jack Livesey and Jeremy Fisher
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Big Year has Big Laughs and Touching Moments
14 October 2011 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

In the Big Year, bird-watching ("birding" for those serious about the activity) takes a beautiful backdrop to the story of three men in different stages of life that are all struggling with priorities and what is important in life. Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson all do a great job as lead actors and come across as real bird lovers.

The settings are incredible - taking viewers from Attu Island in the Aleutians to Brownsville, Texas, and everywhere in between. The race to find birds results in many humorous moments between the three competitors as they scour North America in search of rare bird sightings and compete to be the world's best birder.

Steve Martin does a wonderful job as a man on the verge of retirement, who is struggling to let go of his career. His long-time dream to spend a year birding helps him understand what is important in life. Steve's character develops a father-like relationship with Jack Black's aimless computer programmer whose passion is birds. Steve's character provides fatherly guidance and support that helps Jack Black's character move forward with his life and relationships.

Owen Wilson is great as the obsessed world's greatest birder, who does everything that he can to stop his challengers - Steve Martin & Jack Black. The obsession and drive of Owen's character draws anger, jealousy, and respect from his competitors and other birders. Several supporting actors providing some funny moments with their hatred of Owen.

Overall, Big Year is a funny and heart-warming movie that will make you think about your own priorities and dreams...and maybe grab some binoculars and search out some birds.


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