led by Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black, with an unusual premise about three devoted to the "birders" and their competitive attempts to follow as many species as possible during the calendar year. But the film itself can be considered a rara avis: a benign, kind-hearted movie about three different characters in search of happiness. The fact that it is rated PG, and still is intended for adults, should tell you something
-The nature of the film.
Howard Franklin scenario, inspired by Mark Obmascik book dodges stereotypes and cheap jokes, because it gives an image of three men who could not be more different. Martin is a rich, happily married executive on the verge of retirement. His colleagues asked him to stay and manage their business at a critical juncture. Wilson is a success, also in the field of construction, but his wife (Rosamund Pike) is less tolerant than Martin absent on his role in their marriage. Black is a divorced working stiff who needs the support of his parents financial understanding and his boss, take the time to travel to remote locations under its "big year" birding.
The great year is the kind of film that sneaks on you. I was not sure how I felt about it at first, and at one time my interest began to wane ... seen the film turned around and came to me. I think it was when the filmmakers tipped their hand that the film is less about birding that is about to find satisfaction, no matter where you are on our way.
Colorful landscapes and an equally colorful supporting (including Anjelica Huston as a fishing boat skipper cranky) makes this an appealing and attractive experience. The Big Year will probably be a tough sell to moviegoers all important opening weekend, but if it sticks long enough, I suspect word of mouth will keep it for a while.
