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Poster for The Big Year

The Big Year

Everyone is searching for something.

2011 · 1h 42m · PG Comedy
Directed by David Frankel

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Overview

Three fanatical bird-watchers spend an entire year competing to spot the highest number of species as El Nino sends an extraordinary variety of rare breeds flying up into the U.S., but they quickly discover that there are more important things than coming out on top of the competition.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
40%
Tomatometer
Rotten

The result is an offence-free, mild entertainment in which everyone from cast to scriptwriter seems to be winging it.

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Rotten

Failing even to attempt genuinely humorous gags or scenarios, and incapable of conveying the thrill of its obsessive pastime or the majesty of the animals themselves, this feel-good male weepie remains comedically and dramatically grounded.

Nick Schager, Village Voice
Rotten

Unfortunately, these comic geniuses are kept caged by the wan script and direction. The best gag in the film is the opening title card; the best joke, a throwaway by a day player.

Richard Brody, New Yorker
Fresh

A very mild movie, but in the nicest sense of the word.

Laremy Legel, Film.com
Rotten

What a waste that three of our finest actors are utilized as glorified bit players in such an instantly disposable comedy.

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

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