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IMDbPro

The Big Year

  • 20112011
  • PGPG
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
6.2/10
45K
YOUR RATING
Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
Three avid bird watchers compete to spot the rarest birds in North America at a prestigious annual event.
Play trailer1:54
6 Videos
57 Photos
  • Comedy
Two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.Two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.Two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.
IMDb RATING
6.2/10
45K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • David Frankel
  • Writers
    • Howard Franklin(screenplay)
    • Mark Obmascik(book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession")
  • Stars
    • Owen Wilson
    • Jack Black
    • Steve Martin
Top credits
  • Director
    • David Frankel
  • Writers
    • Howard Franklin(screenplay)
    • Mark Obmascik(book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession")
  • Stars
    • Owen Wilson
    • Jack Black
    • Steve Martin
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 177User reviews
    • 102Critic reviews
    • 53Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win

    Videos6

    U.S. Version
    Trailer 1:54
    U.S. Version
    "The Bridge"
    Clip 1:09
    "The Bridge"
    "Stu's Advice"
    Clip 0:45
    "Stu's Advice"
    "Sea Sick Stu"
    Clip 1:06
    "Sea Sick Stu"
    "Stu and Brad Scare Kenny"
    Clip 1:16
    "Stu and Brad Scare Kenny"
    The Big Year
    Interview 0:44
    The Big Year

    Photos57

    Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
    Steve Martin and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
    Jack Black and Rashida Jones in The Big Year (2011)
    Owen Wilson in The Big Year (2011)
    Steve Martin and Owen Wilson in The Big Year (2011)
    Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
    Jack Black, Rashida Jones, and Tim Blake Nelson in The Big Year (2011)
    Steve Martin and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
    Steve Martin in The Big Year (2011)
    Owen Wilson and Tim Blake Nelson in The Big Year (2011)
    Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
    Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Owen Wilson
    Owen Wilson
    • Kenny Bostickas Kenny Bostick
    Jack Black
    Jack Black
    • Brad Harrisas Brad Harris
    Steve Martin
    Steve Martin
    • Stu Preissleras Stu Preissler
    John Cleese
    John Cleese
    • Narratoras Narrator
    • (voice)
    Zahf Paroo
    Zahf Paroo
    • Prasadas Prasad
    Stacey Scowley
    Stacey Scowley
    • Vickias Vicki
    Michael Karl Richards
    Michael Karl Richards
    • Vicki's Fiancéeas Vicki's Fiancée
    Rosamund Pike
    Rosamund Pike
    • Jessicaas Jessica
    Kevin Pollak
    Kevin Pollak
    • Jim Gittelsonas Jim Gittelson
    Joel McHale
    Joel McHale
    • Barry Loomisas Barry Loomis
    JoBeth Williams
    JoBeth Williams
    • Edithas Edith
    Paul Campbell
    Paul Campbell
    • Tonyas Tony
    Cindy Busby
    Cindy Busby
    • Susieas Susie
    Greg Kean
    Greg Kean
    • Computer Birderas Computer Birder
    Eva Bourne
    Eva Bourne
    • Birder's Daughteras Birder's Daughter
    • (as Eva Allan)
    Bill Dow
    Bill Dow
    • Dr. Paul Elkinas Dr. Paul Elkin
    Barry Shabaka Henley
    Barry Shabaka Henley
    • Dr. Neil Krameras Dr. Neil Kramer
    Dianne Wiest
    Dianne Wiest
    • Brendaas Brenda
    • Director
      • David Frankel
    • Writers
      • Howard Franklin(screenplay)
      • Mark Obmascik(book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession") (inspiration)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      As of 2019, the record for a Big Year in the US is 836 species of birds.
    • Goofs
      Attu island is not closer to Tokyo than Anchorage. Anchorage is 1440 miles from the island, Tokyo is closer to 2000 miles away.
    • 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.

    • Crazy credits
      During the end credits, photos of every bird found by the winner are shown.
    • Alternate versions
      UK BluRay sports an Extended Cut of the film, adding a good six minutes of minor background information on the three main characters and special birds. It also replaces Jack Black's narration of the story with a new narration by John Cleese who also receives a credit in the opening title sequence.
    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.14 (2011)
    • Soundtracks
      Minor Swing
      Music by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli

      Performed by Django Reinhardt

      Courtesy of Bluebird/RCA Victor

      By arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

    User reviews177

    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    Big Year has Big Laughs and Touching Moments
    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.
    helpful•115
    31
    • CaptMTS
    • Oct 14, 2011

    FAQ1

    • What are the differences between the Theatrical Version and the Extended Cut?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 14, 2011 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El gran año
    • Filming locations
      • Attu, Alaska, USA
    • Production companies
      • Fox 2000 Pictures
      • Red Hour Films
      • Deuce Three Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $41,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $7,204,138
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $3,251,884
      • Oct 16, 2011
    • Gross worldwide
      • $8,179,416
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby
      • SDDS
      • Datasat
      • Dolby Surround 7.1
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

    Related news

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    Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black in The Big Year (2011)
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