The Big Year (2011)

Release date: 2011-10-14
Country: USA|Canada
Language: English
Director: David Frankel
Production Co: Fox 2000 Pictures, Red Hour Films, Deuce Three Productions
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 6.2/10
Length: 1h 40min

Storyline

In birding, a Big Year is seeing or hearing as many different species of birds as possible in a calendar year. Three men pursue the Birder of the Year title: Kenny Bostick, who's seen a record 732 in a past big year, Stu Preissler, newly retired, and Brad Harris, who narrates the story. Life gets in the way: Bostick's wife wants a baby, Stu's firm needs him for sensitive negotiations, and Brad, divorced and underemployed at 36, has an encouraging mom and a disapproving dad. They criss-cross the continent (including a trip to Alaska's westernmost island), follow migration patterns, and head for storms that force birds to ground. Who will win, at what cost, and with what rewards?

Plot Keywords

obsession, helicopter, friendship, father son relationship, husband wife relationship, storm, competition, alaska, journey shown on map, garbage dump, goose, newlyweds, honeymoon, retirement, car accident, owl, boat, based on book, based on true story, three word title

Short Review

It's theoretically possible for laughs to be gouged out of this scenario, but you won't find them here: every move, every joke, every emotion is heaved lumberingly into place.