Movie Review: The Big Year

The Big Year

PG, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed By

David Frankel

Written By

Howard Franklin, Mark Obmascik

Genres

Comedy

Main Actors: Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Kevin Pollack, Brian Dennehy, JoBeth Williams, Angelica Huston, Anthony Anderson, Rashida Jones, Tim Blake Nelson, Corbin Bernsen, Rosamund Pike

Easy on the eyes factor: 6. The rating is this high because of one person. Rosamund Pike. She is so fine! (That's what we say about hot girls where I come from. "She is Foin".) Yes. Very pretty. She's been in a few independent films; nothing too big. Look for her in Wrath of the Titans later this year. The other reason that I gave it a 6 is because Rashida Jones from The Office and Parks & Recreation is in it. I think she's pretty cute. No hot guys are in it ladies. Sorry.

30 Minute Rule: Not bad actually. From the beginning, you understand why you're here and where it's going. You get engaged in the character's lives right away.

Plot: Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson are at a crossroads -- one is experiencing a mid-life crisis, another a late-life crisis, and the third, a far from ordinary no-life crisis. From David Frankel, the director of The Devil Wears Prada and Marley & Me, comes a sophisticated comedy about three friendly rivals who, tired of being ruled by obligations and responsibilities, dedicate a year of their lives to following their dreams. Their big year takes them on a cross-country journey of wild and life-changing adventures

My Review: Ok, Let's be honest from the gate. This is a movie about birding. Birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity either by viewing in plain sight, with binoculars, or hearing or taking a picture. Strange as it might seem, it's a pretty popular hobby. Wikipedia stated that 20% of the US population are birdwatchers. That's pretty surreal. But a movie? With this huge cast?

The reason that I put all of those actors on the list is because as I was watching, I was wondering, who persuaded all of these very good experienced actors to appear in this film? And why did they do it? Birding? The reason is, this movie wasn't about Birding as much as it was about life. It's about marital commitment. Parenting. Family relationships. Career decisions. Friendship. Loyalty and other life's experiences. Birding was just the backdrop. And that is how they got so many people to participate in this film. Because it was funny, cute at times. Even had some very sad and regrettable moments. A great mother-son relationship. A very good long term marriage/family situation with a father who needed to make an life changing career decision.

Overall, The Big Year was a warm, fun family movie that didn't promise too much and probably over-delivered for some. I am not recommending to run out get this movie immediately, but it is a nice alternative when there is not a lot else to watch. You won't be disappointed. In fact, you'll be delightfully pleased.

Rating: 6 of 10