The Big Year

The Big Year is a fun and refreshing comedy that stands out because it's a little different—though not everyone seems to appreciate that. But here's the thing: this movie isn’t really about birds. It's about people like us chasing dreams. Whether you’re young or old, dreams give us something to live for. In this case, Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson each set out to achieve their own goal of spotting the most birds in a single year, hoping to break a record. Beyond the birdwatching, the film shines with its beautiful scenery and heartfelt themes of friendship, boyish enthusiasm, and pursuing what makes you happy. Add to that a cast full of charm, and you've got a movie that’s easy to enjoy. (04/09/2012)

A film that is magically its own. Although the trailer lured me with the idea of a classic comedy, which was last seen here in 2001 (Rat Race), I ended up seeing something completely different... And you know what? I didn't mind a bit. Watching all those strange people, who seem to live in a completely different world and with whom even a walk from the entrance to the garbage bin would be a great adventure, was definitely something for me. Is this a film about morality? Well, yes, it is, but at least it's not imposing and more or less natural. The central trio is perfect, and I really enjoyed how Martin, Wilson and Black kept switching my sympathies from one to the other. The film celebrates human friendship as well as the beauty of nature, and it has a perfect soundtrack (both Shapiro's and the songs, lots of gentle humor and some naturally human scenes. I was definitely surprised. Definitely more than pleasantly. (10/19/2013)

I expected a much wilder and bolder ride from the trio of Owen Wilson, Steve Martin and Jack Black. The idea of birdwatching suggests that it could be a fun and, most importantly, original film, but paradoxically it is quite the opposite. The humour completely missed me and although the film comes across as light-hearted and unpretentious, I literally didn't laugh once. It's as if the film "just flowed." Weak. (04/05/2023)