The Big Year (2011): A Soaring Comedy with Bird Feathers

Wait until you see the wild-winged craft of birding.

The Big Year flew into theaters in 2011. Three bird enthusiasts challenge one another to a bird-spotting competition. Each man finds ways to outwit the other, even if it involves ruthless ideas.

This was my second birding movie of the year and I’ve been learning a lot about the craft. I had the best time watching this movie. I wish I could watch it again for the first time. The Big Year documents the competitive nature of birding while also exploring the lives and friendships of three men.

Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin star as three birding enthusiasts. Each man has a different relationship with birding, doing it for the fun of the craft or getting ahead for their own competitive greed.

The right actors were cast in the roles. The men had amusing interactions with each other and did a fantastic job with their character arcs. The production's busy traveling schedule allowed the actors to bond, playing golf at midnight or facing off in poker.

I have come to adore Jack Black. He always has a sincere quality and his witty personality makes me laugh. He was drawn to the film because of the character’s emotional stories. I fell in love with Black and Martin’s dynamic. Their victory dance lives in my head rent-free! The pair become friends along their birding adventures.

A big ensemble joined the film, running around logging birds and taking pictures. Credits include John Cleese, Diane Wiest, and Rosamund Pike. Some familiar faces like Angelica Huston, JoBeth Williams, and Jim Parson appear in small roles. Now that I have been watching The Big Bang Theory, Parson's inclusion in this film is ironic to his famous Sheldon role.

Birds are the most important characters of all. The film used a combination of real birds and animatronic birds. The Great Grey Owl is spotted in one scene. I have gained more knowledge than I ever did about birds. I have started looking at bird books for some sightings.

The Big Year is one epic adventure. In case you didn’t realize, traveling is a major part of birding. The characters travel by plane, automobile, and boat. Nope, not by train. The style is reminiscent of the 1987 classic, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, also starring Steve Martin. The poor man has a similar missed transportation incident in this movie.

The Big Year was faced with challenges during production. Since filming took place on-location across the United States, the crew traveled to 100 destinations to capture diverse bird species and landscapes in 55 days! Most scenes were filmed in British Columbia and the Yukon. This film encourages hungry travelers to journey to new destinations.

Bird films like The Big Year have themes like passion and making connections. Passions are a blessing and help you learn about yourself. They’re also an ample route to meet new people. What you should never do is make passions your life. I shook my head at Kenny’s (Wilson) selfish decision to get ahead instead of attending an important occasion.

David Frankel nails the comedy and incorporates heartwarming moments. The relationship that develops between Brad (Black) and his father is a significant storyline. We all know a significant other who doesn’t understand passions like you. Instead of ignoring others' interests, be open-minded and offer to join in on a venture.

The Big Year has joined my list of favorite comedies. Enjoy a laugh and watch the movie with your family. You may become a bird enthusiast yourself.