'The Big Year'
2 out of 5 Pitchforks
Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson
PG
Release: Oct. 14, 2011
Having a hobby is an important part of life. From the hobbies we used to have to the ones we have now, how we spend our free time says a lot about who we are and what we aspire to be. Some interests might come and go — like Pogs — but others can last a lifetime.
As is the case with “The Big Year,” starring a creepy Jack Black, a dull Steve Martin and a generalized representation of just about any character Owen Wilson has ever portrayed. At varying stages in their own lives, all are “birders” through and through. It’s fair to say that if they could grow wings and fly far, far away, they would.
The truth, of course, is in the details, and these three know their birds. Based on the book “The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession” by Mark Obmascik, the movie follows the three lovably unique and marginally flawed — yet near perfect — trio of bird-enthusiasts as they set off across the country to document the number of different bird species they see for one full calendar year.
By any means necessary, and at apparently any cost conceivable, they each set out to break the world record of 732 different types of birds seen in one year. The record was set by Owen Wilson’s character, who just so happens to be out defending his title.
There’s nothing wrong with a little competition — or even a little conflict. However, viewers will agree that while the birds on screen might be eating crickets, there are even more chirps heard in the theater as the dull plot is presented.
The level and depth of hilarity that ensues is as the films' rating suggests: PG. For a film about birds, how come no one ever gets pooped on?
It’s a decent film about the passions we all have and how shockingly similar we all truly are, even in our differences. However, the touting of this as a comedy is a bit of a stretch. You might very well laugh once or twice, but it will merely be of reflex and not of any actual or relatable enjoyment.
These are three talented actors and artisans of comedy, but “The Big Year” just isn’t funny. It would have made for a great documentary and not as a vehicle for Black, Martin and Wilson to figure out as they droll on and on from beginning to end.
Shameless attempts at deep, thought-provoking comedy is hard to make funny and relatable to audiences. This is especially true when everyone is pondering what it all means and how they should go about proving it to friends and family members who don’t understand.
“The Big Year” is a noble attempt and maybe even a unique glimpse into the often-overlooked life of birders. Yet, in the end, the film proves to be no more entertaining than actually sitting at home and watching birds on your back porch.
Reach the reporter at jbfortne@asu.edu
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