The Big Year (2011):

Starring:

Steve Martin - Stu Preissler

Jack Black - Brad Harris

Owen Wilson - Kenny Bostick

Rosamund Pike - Jessica Bostick

Rashida Jones - Carol

Brian Dennehy - Martin Harris

Dianne West - Brenda Harris

JoBeth Williams - Edith Preissler

Anthony Anderson - Bill Clemens

Joel McHale - Barry Loomis

Kevin Pollak - Jim Gittleson

Jim Parsons - Crane

Director:

David Frankel (Devil Wears Prada; Marley & Me)

Rotten Tomatoes: 40%

Flixster: 39%

Synopsis:

Three disparate men, each facing unique personal challenges, try to outdo each other in the ultimate bird-watching competition in 1998 -- the year El Nino brought an unprecedented number of species to North America. Their quest takes them on an unforgettable trek throughout North America.

Review:

This is really not the movie you think it is. Sure it has some comedic greats all starring in the same film, but it's much more than that. The movie is about passion for something no matter the cost financially or personally. It's about the interactions between family, friends & the competitive spirit of life. Of course with all three of these great comedians, you do have some good comedy. Jack Black, although he doesn't Scat at any time throughout the movie, he does very little dancing, but he still does some falling down. Wilson of course does his rambling, quick talking usual style. Steve Martin, if only you hadn't done The Pink Panther films I could say that I like every single film he has made, but here I am not able to say that. The relationship that grows between Black & his father played by Brian Dennehy brings a different side of Black out that is refreshing from his usual buffoonery. At the same time the strained relationship between Wilson & his wife played by Rosamund Pike has Wilson in the role of a man who sacrifices everything & anything to edge his name into the history books no matter the cost to his personal life. Some great cameo's as well from Anjelica Huston, Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Wilson, Nate Torrence, Barry Shabaka Henley, Corbin Bernsen & the voice of John Cleese. Don't understand why so many people were hating on this film. Would they have liked it better if it was just a completely stupid, shit fest comedy? I guess no one knows what they want. I thought it was a great break from all three men's usual antics & a great mix of comedy, realism & a slight bit of drama.

62%

Main Acting: 13/15
Supporting Cast: 12/15

Plot: 8/10
Compared To The Genre: 8/10

Cinematography: 16/20

Intrigue: 14/20

                                                       Extra: 7/10