'The Big Year'

'The Big Year' (PG) (rental)

Written By Howard Franklin
Director: David Frankel
Starring: Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Rosamund Pike, JoBeth Williams, Brian Dennehy, Diane Wiest, Rashida Jones, Jim Parsons, Anjelica Huston

I was not dissapointed with "The Big Year" because it wasted it's hot, huge all star cast. I was dissapointed because this light comedy didn't make me laugh and I wish the screenplay was written better. I chuckled a few times but I think this movie fails because the comedy is there but this is really a comedy-drama and the drama fails. This is not supposed to be a laugh out loud, jokey comedy and I think it's intended audience will think it is supposed to be that. This is a fluffy comedy about bird watching and loud jokes would ruin it. I am glad this movie didn't make fun of it's characters but this movie is also kind of dull a lot of times.

The movie does center around bird watching which might not make people run right away to the theatre. It would seem a dull subject but with Wilson, Martin and Black you would expect them to elevate the material. All three characters are into bird watching. There is a contest every year called "The Big Year" where the person who spots the most birds in a year wins. All three lead characters strike up somewhat of a realtionship. Owen Wilson is Kenny and he is kind of a jerk though this movie is not mean spirited and Kenny kind of comes off as likable. The other two Stu (Steve Martin) and Brad (Jack Black) are not as competitive as Kenny and they strike up a friendship.

The three men jump on planes to travel a lot to many locations to capture looks of birds and some of the birds haven't been seen in ages. I like how the movie treats this bird chasing as an obsession. I just don't know how anyone who has a job like Brad does can travel so much. Each character has things to deal with at home with their certain relationships. The movie is more focused on stuff like how Kenny's marriage is tested and how Brad is estranged from his father. The movie has light comedy based on characters but the characters needed more depth. I say this because the movie has a lot of drama and most of the drama is cliched and unoriginal. The movie needed a little jolt of energy and maybe even a little parody. Just imagine what this cast and say Christopher Guest could have done with this subject matter like say Guest's "A Mighty Wind" did with it's subject matter.

If you go to this movie and pay $11 for this comedy and expect big laughs you might feel cheated. I think this is a nice movie and to wait on DVD and watch it on a big screen television with no expectations is a better bet. I do like the characters and the acting is solid and what a cast! You have Brian Dennehy, JoBeth Williams, Jim Parson and others. Even if all these great character actors are wasted it is still nice to see them on screen. The cinematography is beautiful and the location work is impressive. I did get attached to the characters a little and some of the comedy was sweet and some of the drama was interesting. I also did find out that Rosamund Pike is a very beautiful woman so that is cool.

I really like the three leading men here and they are good as I always expect them to be. This movie has some moments but it just needs a bolt of energy. I think it would have been better if the movie played up the obsession of bird watching to a more heightened state. Maybe the film makers could have added a smidge of energy here. "The Big Year" is an agreeable comedy but with Martin, Black and Wilson on board I expected the writing and directing not to let them down. This is a movie I reccomend you should check out on DVD or cable.

P.S. For better movies about nature or looks at certain hobbies with more laughs first check out Christopher Guest's sweet and very funny light parody "A Mighty Wind". Also a much better movie blending comedy and nature would be 1981's "Continental Divide" with John Belushi. That movie had a great, solid love story and drama and reminds me of a Katherine Hepburn/Spencer Tracy romantic comedy. That movie also has John Belushi in a great and rare leading, romantic man role. "Continental Divide" also is one of the best uses of the city of Chicago I have seen on film.