Review of The Big Year (2011) by Pedro G — 20 Oct 2011

You know I went fully expecting to dislike this movie, but I just couldn't do it. I'm a 'bird watcher' and some times a 'birder' and have even been a 'lister' at times and I was pretty sure that the movie would not show the differences. However it does a real good job of showing that different people go out 'birding' for different reasons.

The comedy here is very low key. With Jack Black and Steve Martin I was expecting prat falls and such (and there is a little; I mean Jack Black is a great physical comic) but mostly it is subtle and doesn't get in the way of the movie.

There is a really poignant scene where Brad (Black) explains to his father (Brian Dennehy), who disapproves of his 'Big Year' obsession, why he does it and it is spot on; if you are a bird watcher you'll be saying 'Amen' and if not you'll still get it.

I was the only Old Geezer Who Goes To The Matinee Alone to show up. . .in fact I was the only person to show up until about half an hour into the movie and then some folks cam in and then left, so I don't know how others felt, but my suspicion is that most people are going to see this because they expect the 'usual' Steve Martin, Jack Black slapstick stuff; they will be disappointed. I do encourage others to see this; especially my bird watching friends of all cuts.