The Big Year
Fox 2000 Pictures | Release Date: October 14, 2011
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 58 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
32
Mixed:
17
Negative:
9
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
TheQuietGamerMay 27, 2013
Who knew that a movie about birding could be so fantastic! It'a excellently written and casted. The humor is fantastic and you will truly be invested in this film until the end. Getting to see the birds was also surprisingly enjoyable. In theWho knew that a movie about birding could be so fantastic! It'a excellently written and casted. The humor is fantastic and you will truly be invested in this film until the end. Getting to see the birds was also surprisingly enjoyable. In the end I loved the movie. The combination/rivalry of Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and Steve Martin is fantastic. An all around terrific movie.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
iokuok2iokSep 7, 2013
This movie is soooooo underrated!!! One of the best movie surprises I've bumped into in I don't even know how long. I picked up the 5$ special at Walmart thinking oh gee some slapstick comedy to kick it on a Friday evening. I was soooooThis movie is soooooo underrated!!! One of the best movie surprises I've bumped into in I don't even know how long. I picked up the 5$ special at Walmart thinking oh gee some slapstick comedy to kick it on a Friday evening. I was sooooo surprised. This is brilliant. It's beyond brilliant. I'll bet half of the reviewers didn't even "get" what they were doing with this movie, because they don't particularly "get" into nature. --Take another look; there's more than just nature going on if you watch carefully! Delicate satirical reference and parallels just out of reach of the obvious and beautifully executed. The bargain basement DVD comes with a great "extended cut". I just regret there isn't some "behind the scenes" takes on it as well.
The scenery is gorgeous, the clever expose unveils soooo much more than the simple plot. Now that the movie is showing up in the Wal-Mart bins, this movie deserves resurrection. As another reviewer noted, there's no blood and guts, steamy sex, guns, money heists, violence, or language. What's left? I'll tell you: something genuinely new and creative. Give this movie another look! Its one of the most intelligent works out of Hollywood in a long long time. The acting could not be better by three of the best of the best at the top of their own game! Of course these guys slipped in some double tongue humor for the quick minded. Pay attention! Many stars and all thumbs up on this one!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
hollyvOct 15, 2011
It's not Transformers, no... but this sweet, charming and gentle comedy is a real delight for birders and non-birders (who may wonder why all the fuss.) I went to the movies with only moderate expectations, and half way through found myselfIt's not Transformers, no... but this sweet, charming and gentle comedy is a real delight for birders and non-birders (who may wonder why all the fuss.) I went to the movies with only moderate expectations, and half way through found myself thinking, "this is delightful." Come for the birds, stay for the comedy...there's plenty of each!… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
DeniseIsGreatOct 24, 2011
I thought the Big Year was great! Story was really well written, acted and directed. Subtle, adult humor - not the nonsense written for 12 year olds (no offense to 12 year olds). The characters were well drawn and likable. What a greatI thought the Big Year was great! Story was really well written, acted and directed. Subtle, adult humor - not the nonsense written for 12 year olds (no offense to 12 year olds). The characters were well drawn and likable. What a great cast - I love Jack Black best when he's not stuck in slapstick, silly comedies. He's got an emotive face and deeper acting ability than he's ever given a chance to showcase in some of the more shallow comedies into which the industry has niched him. If you ever saw his first hit - High Fidelity with John Cusack - then you know exactly what we've been missing from him in the last several years. Steve Martin is the subtle gem that I like best - similar to recent role in "It's Complicated." Owen Wilson was great as well. They're all funny guys and don't have to try hard to be likable or humorous here. I'm completely bewildered that this movie hasn't done better at box office. Everyone in my theater seemed to really enjoy it. I think they just promoted it badly - they gave fans the expectation of another obvious comedy instead of a movie done with more sophisticated humor than your average 12 year old is interested in, so the wrong people went to see it and the right audience has stayed away.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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0
corc79Feb 2, 2012
I an truly amazed that this pantload of a movie got a single score above a zero. The only way that's possible is if those reviewers happen to be one of these weird "birding" nerds. To be perfectly honest, we felt completely ripped off by theI an truly amazed that this pantload of a movie got a single score above a zero. The only way that's possible is if those reviewers happen to be one of these weird "birding" nerds. To be perfectly honest, we felt completely ripped off by the false advertising of this piece of crap. In the previews, in every single interview with the cast, there wasn't one mention of a bird or "birding" in any capacity...it was made to look like something similar to The Bucket List, with the cast doing a bunch of crazy things over a year. NOT WATCHING FREAKING BIRDS! Maybe not the worst movie ever, but surely in the top 10, and definitely the most dissapointing I have ever seen. I can't for the life of me figure out why any of those guys would ever even consider doing this movie. Anyone who rated this above a zero has been eating way too many retard sandwiches...… Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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8
Knicksfan7Oct 25, 2011
I went in with low expectations and walked out shocked from the disappointment with the box office. I found this movie delightful. It was fun and adventurous. They shouldve promoted this movie better. Some comedic lines here and there and aI went in with low expectations and walked out shocked from the disappointment with the box office. I found this movie delightful. It was fun and adventurous. They shouldve promoted this movie better. Some comedic lines here and there and a great, wonderful story. I never had too big of an interest in birds but wow are there alot of categories of birds. This movie was very interesting. With powerhouses like jack black, owen wilson, and steve martin and this movie only made 3 mil opening weekend? Thats shocking. If you enjoy a heartwarming film with a powerful cast you must see this movie. You wont regret it. 8/10… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
AkkharFeb 8, 2012
I did enjoy The Big Year very much . Im not gonna put it as a Comedy film but Its was very amusing .The Big Year is like an amazing Documentary about birds , About The Watcher and about the world. I like adventure and Birds and this movieI did enjoy The Big Year very much . Im not gonna put it as a Comedy film but Its was very amusing .The Big Year is like an amazing Documentary about birds , About The Watcher and about the world. I like adventure and Birds and this movie showed that perfectly . Story was good but could be better . David Frankel's directing was really really good, The Movie Had an amazing ensemble cast and they all played so well. Find out so many things about Birds and The World , The Big Year is a very educational movie . Overall This movie will make u wanna fly like those birdwatchers .… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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2
nutterjrFeb 14, 2012
Would anyone ever watch it apart from the director and the producer and their closest relatives that stand by them through the thick and thin if it was not for Black, Martin & Wilson playing?
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
TokyochuchuApr 21, 2013
The Big Year was a pretty great film. It was subtle, bittersweet and unpredictable. I expected the usual Hollywood rom-com slapstick farce and was pleasantly surprised. Great stuff.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
eTurkeyMay 27, 2012
One thing 'The Big Year' is, is not humorous. Nor is it particularly clever or thoughtful. What exactly is this movie about then? Despite it's unoriginality the story itself is fresh. There haven't been too many films made about birdwatchingOne thing 'The Big Year' is, is not humorous. Nor is it particularly clever or thoughtful. What exactly is this movie about then? Despite it's unoriginality the story itself is fresh. There haven't been too many films made about birdwatching let alone 'comedic' ones. The frequently changing setting matters not as the locations are simply stunning and makes some of David Attenborough's documentaries seem dull in comparison. You won't churn out any laughter with TBY but as long as you realise it's simply a quaint, little feature then you simply *might* enjoy it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
MegWhiteleyMar 2, 2012
I watch the other day this film, and after, I think yeah, the metascore is correct, the big year is not a sorpresive or bigger film, have some moments, but is good for a sunday.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
siempreMar 17, 2012
The Big Year is an excellent MOVIE. It does not slide into a category well and that hurt the marketing. So, three comedians who are very good dramatic actors make an old fashioned movie that combines a depthful story, some soft humor and aThe Big Year is an excellent MOVIE. It does not slide into a category well and that hurt the marketing. So, three comedians who are very good dramatic actors make an old fashioned movie that combines a depthful story, some soft humor and a lot of thoughtfulness- try to put that in a trailor.It is a movie about choices, sacrifice and ambitions. See this movie!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
StaticSpineNov 18, 2012
This is not just a movie about "bird nerds". It's all about true life priorities for everyone and also it's about the sacrifices one can make to achieve his goal. So this isn't an ordinary comedy movie, it carries a nice idea.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
MATMJul 23, 2022
“The Big Year” is a very well put together movie that includes one of the most star studded casts I have ever seen, but it is all presented in a way that I cared absolutely nothing about. I really appreciated the moral of the story, but the“The Big Year” is a very well put together movie that includes one of the most star studded casts I have ever seen, but it is all presented in a way that I cared absolutely nothing about. I really appreciated the moral of the story, but the way it was told was just not fun enough, especially given the high caliber of actors they had at their disposal. I swear they must have hired all of these actors on the premise that they were going to shoot the ultimate comedy, but the screenwriter got a different memo and delivered a totally dry after school special.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
calhouniteNov 15, 2014
Martin's a great actor, sure wish I could have seen it. But kept thinking about how many times I would have gone bankrupt (about 500 - 600) and how many jobs I would have lost (about 1200-1500) during just ONE year.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
damageplanApr 11, 2014
i gave it 9 out of 10 purely based on it's merits to entertain, the problem for most people have with this movies is there are no explosions, dramatic action scenes or any of the other typical Hollywood tripe, it does exactly what it says oni gave it 9 out of 10 purely based on it's merits to entertain, the problem for most people have with this movies is there are no explosions, dramatic action scenes or any of the other typical Hollywood tripe, it does exactly what it says on the tin and no way throughout the movie did i find my self thinking this is boring i want to turn it off.

some people really need to get a grip on life and quit thinking every movie has to have sex and violence in it cause that is not a true portrait of reality, we cant all be hypocritical and say someone has no life cause they have an interest in birds, the same could be said for all manor of things such as cars, trucks, planes, ships, wildlife, people, space ect, if the film does not interest/appeal to you don't watch it, it's not like you are being forced to or have no option.

for those who rated it 0 out of 10 you really must live a very shallow life, again you do have the option to not watch it though it would also help if you read about the film first, there is a reason why i wont watch mamma mia as i don't like musical's but i won't deliberately find the film on metacritic to submit a 0 out of 10 review and slag it off cause it does not interest me, i wish others would take heed of this and no submit an immature review similar to what *corc79* has.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
audreythomas25Feb 18, 2016
If you can get past the obviously obscure subject matter, you'll find a really sweet film beneath.

Watch here for free http://www.watchfree.to/watch-185ac5-The-Big-Year-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
TLHGDec 24, 2015
So this movie is FANTASTIC! But it is not for anyone. People who love traveling to places like Ushuaia or Tasmania, true trekkers. People who love and appreciate nature. And people who appreciate the gist of the movie, which deals with theSo this movie is FANTASTIC! But it is not for anyone. People who love traveling to places like Ushuaia or Tasmania, true trekkers. People who love and appreciate nature. And people who appreciate the gist of the movie, which deals with the conflicts of handling dreams, that torturing feeling that you have to accomplish something beyond the ordinary, and the need to stay realistic while dealing with these dreams and feelings. That's a marvelous theme for a movie and the big year is simply an elegant, successful approach to represent it. Not every one will appreciate this movie because it is not a movie meant for every one. But is a very good movie if you have the spirits for it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Although this movie may seem to have a rather bland plotline, it is quite watchable and fairly entertaining overall. It pokes fun at the competitiveness of Americans in such seemingly boring, or anorak, interests. There is definitely comedy here, although its (as you may expect) fairly subtle and not of the laugh-out-loud variety.

The storyline does work in as much as having a clear start, middle and end, although it should be noted that this is an adaptation of a novel, so it makes sense that its structured that way. The movie features quite alot of big names in the cast, with the three main characters being played by Owen Wilson, Jack Black and Steve Martin. There are also (if brief) appearances by Brian Dennehy, Anjelica Huston and Dianne West.

Pace wise, I'd say its neither fast nor slow really. Its quite a gentle movie I suppose and has a bit of a sentimental feel to it, following around the different characters (or twitchers you could call them, ie. birdwatchers) - we learn more about their backgrounds and personal lives as the movie continues and there are some quite amusing scenes when they bump into each other and try to out wit one another. I found it less dull and more pleasantly watchable in general - I don't think the cast found it a challenging movie at all, it was probably a walk in the park for them to act in a movie such as this, so I couldn't call it remarkable but equally at only about an hour and a half long, it was a good length and I didn't feel bored to tears - I thought the characters were quirky in their own ways and I did feel somewhat reeled into their world, so it kept my interest for the duration of the movie. This movie could be watched as a family movie, as it carries a PG certificate there's little to offend or scare younger viewers, indeed I can't think of anything worth mentioning as far as thats concerned - no real violence, strong language or anything like that. Children who find it hard to concentrate would probably find it a bit boring though but thats maybe another issue lol.

Overall, there's not a great deal that can be said about this, I feel. I thought the ultimate message it sent out at the end was perhaps a bit preachy and cheesy, which wasn't great but it by no means really ruined the movie or anything like that. At a short running time of approximately one hour and a half, it kept my interest enough to not be bored enough to want to switch it off, which I'll freely admit does happen on ocassion. I thought the plot was interesting, the cast was good and there were some amusing moments, which kept me entertained, so overall its worth a watch.

Yes, I think I would recommend this movie as a rather pleasant and fairly entertaining movie suitable for the whole family pretty much. Its not exactly remarkable but its perfectly watchable - if your looking for a great laugh out loud comedy then this may disappoint but if your a fan of the cast or the story interests you then I think its worth checking out.… Expand
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