The Big Year

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  • Opened October 14, 2011 
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • PG | Language and some sensuality
  • Parents: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 11+. More on child suitability

  • Three men find that they have come to a turning point. Stu (Steve Martin) faces a late-life crisis, Kenny (Owen Wilson) is in the grip of a midlife crisis, and Brad (Jack Black) is wallowing in a no-life crisis. Determined to kick-start their stagnant lives, Stu, Kenny and Brad decide to enter a prestigious contest. During the course of one calendar year, the three friendly rivals criss-cross North America in a quest to count more species of birds than anyone else. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Brian Dennehy, Anjelica Huston
  • Director: David Frankel
  • Genres: Comedy

What's the Buzz?

So-so
Fans say So-So
207 fans
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So-so
Critics say So-So
53 out of 100
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Fan Reviews

Must Go!
Tells the story of obsessed birders, but with a heart and comedy

by keithbrink

I confess that I love to bird, so I'm a little biased in my review. This is an honest and sometimes funny look at what anyone with a hobby goes through. People pursue their hobby with gusto and...

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The Big Year

by RMC JD

I enjoyed the film a great deal. It was mischaracterized in reviews and ads as "hysterical.' It certainly was very funny, but also touching, sweet and engaging; but hysterical, it was not. But...

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no violence, no zombies, no sex, no drugs, no exploding cars

by patinwy

If you're still reading ..... then you might just love this movie! It's an entertaining story, perfectly cast, has it's twists and turns. There actually are still people who are thrilled by...

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Critic Reviews

75
Chicago Sun-Times
| Roger Ebert

The Big Year is getting the enthusiastic support of the Audubon Society, and has an innocence and charm that will make it appealing for families, especially those who have had enough whales and dolphins for the year. Read full review

70
The Hollywood Reporter
| Todd McCarthy

The uniformly winning cast, led by Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, and the ultra-accessible touch provided by director David Frankel provide for a constant steam of gentle mirth, if not huge laughs. Read full review

70
Movieline
|

Genial and mild, The Big Year doesn't give in to the temptation to juice up its story with outsized caricatures or inflated dramas. Read full review

67
Entertainment Weekly
| Owen Gleiberman

The more I sat through it, the more it won me over in its very benign high-concept way. It's like "City Slickers" remade for the Discovery Channel. Read full review

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Photos

Owen Wilson, Steve Martin and Jack Black in ``The Big Year.''