A gentle charm keeps 'The Big Year' aloft
It's not necessary to know the difference between a pin-tailed snipe and a blue-footed booby to enjoy the bird-watching antics in The Big Year.
Though it's more likely to inspire smiles than chuckles, this gently charming comedy about a trio of birders is based on a winning premise, likable performances and stunning natural vistas.
A PG-rated comedy refreshingly devoid of foul language, bathroom humor and silly slapstick gags, it builds momentum on character development and situational comedy.
VIDEO: Watch the trailer
Director David Frankel, who helmed The Devil Wears Prada, knows how to make a mature, engaging comedy. The actual laughs may be few, but the story and characters will keep viewers entertained.
About the movie
The Big Year
* * 1/2 out of four
Stars: Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Rashida Jones, Brian Dennehy
Director: David Frankel
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG for language and some sensuality
Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Opens Friday nationwide
Martin plays Stu Preissler, a corporate bigwig contemplating retirement and settling down into a less high-powered existence with his wife, Edith (JoBeth Williams). At the other end of the spectrum is 36-year-old Brad Harris, played by Black, who is still trying to figure out what he does best.
Every place Stu and Brad go to watch birds, they also have their sights trained on Kenny Bostick (Wilson), the self-proclaimed "world's greatest birder." Kenny is a driven man, a building contractor whose loving wife, Jessica (Rosamunde Pike), longs for a baby. But he can't seem to focus on anything but sighting rare birds in a variety of habitats. His record of seeing 732 species has made him smug and mildly ruthless. He compares himself to Mozart and Lance Armstrong.
There's a friendly rivalry among the three men that might have been played up for more humor. But, then again, the stakes are low.
The title refers to a contest in the world of bird aficionados that results in no money, prizes or fame, but it does confer modest honor. Those who undertake "a big year" tally how many species they see (or hear) during a calendar year, on the honor system, and the winners get their names published. A "big year" requires patience, determination and the ability to take off to any spot in North America on a moment's notice. The film's more than 100 locations, from the Yukon Territory to the Florida Everglades, are gorgeous.
Inspired by Mark Obmascik's book, the tale focuses on universal themes of pursuing a dream and tapping into an adventurous spirit.
Brad's father (Brian Dennehy) thinks his son is wasting his time and money chasing birds around. Brad maxes out several credit cards, which in a recession does smack of glaring waste.
But the joy and peace it brings Brad, Stu and even Kenny seems to be worth more than money.
TheBig Year offers a glimpse into a little-known world. It's low-key and lightly amusing, told at a tranquil pace appropriate for a film about gentle souls watching feathered creatures.