The Big Year

A big year refers to a birding event where birders keep track of how many unique species they observe in a particular geographic area within a year. This film tracks Owen Wilson (reigning North American record holder), Steve Martin and Jack Black as they set out to have a Big Year. The film used birding as a vehicle for plot, but the charm of this lies in the relationships developed. All three of these comedic actors are known for playing over-the-top roles, but here are appropriately understated. And each, as a result of the process of their big year, comes to a new and deeper understanding of some part of their life outside of birding without needing to resort to sappy over-sentimentality. 

4 stars (out of 5)