For birdwatchers – or ‘birders’ – in the US, there is one ultimate dream; to complete the Big Year by seeing or hearing as many different species of bird as possible. Three strangers set out to complete this unusual challenge, and along the way they learn more about themselves and each other.
For a film starring comedy legends such as Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Rashida Jones, Joel McHale and Jim Parsons, The Big Year is surprisingly unfunny. There are a couple of giggles along the way, but the film is more heart warming than hilarious. Which is strange. Why cast actors known for their comedic acting, then not allow them to show off their skills?
Steve Martin plays Stu, a man who always meant to complete his ‘big year’, but work always got in the way. Martin is fine in the role; he has fallen into playing the father figure in films, and this is exactly what he becomes in The Big Year. Stu takes Jack Black under his wing and counsels him through the trials and tribulations of his first big year, while secretly trying to complete his own. Owen Wilson’s Kenny however, is a ruthless birder who wants to make sure that no-one beats his record, and will do anything he can to protect his legacy. Wilson plays the similar sort of oddball he has become famous for playing but, like his co-stars, he is not funny. It’s not his fault; it’s the material.
Photo Credit: Murray Close
Jack Black as Brad, for the first time in a long time, is not playing ‘Jack Black’. This is a good or a bad thing, depending on what side of the Jack Black debate you come down on. Black has made a name for himself for playing over the top characters who dance, sing and generally monkey around. Black does none of these things in The Big Year. Instead, he is understated and sweet; Brad is a character who is fulfilling his life’s dream, while working full time. Black is rather cute in the role, and forms the emotional heart of the film; Steve Martin and Owen Wilson do not need this win like Black does, so the audience finds themselves rooting for him.
As for the supporting cast, if Black, Martin and Wilson are strangely miscast, then Rashida Jones, Jim Parsons and Joel McHale are the strangest casting choices of all. All three actors are best known for powerhouse TV performances but are terribly underused in the film with Jim Parsons – who won a Golden Globe this year for his hilarious performances on The Big Bang Theory – only appearing in a handful of scenes. Strange, and rather disappointing.
Photo Credit: Murray Close
While The Big Year is not the comedy we were hoping for, it is actually rather sweet; this is a film about friendship, dedication and reaching for your goals, no matter the risk. The film is sort of heart warming in it’s own way, but it is just a shame that these wonderful comedic actors were either miscast or highly underused.
In all, The Big Year is not what we expected from Black, Owen and Martin, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. With a tighter script this could have been a great film, as is, it’s sweet, but mediocre.
Rating: 
Copyright © 2012 ·