THE BIG YEAR (C+)

Bottom Line: Martin, Wilson and Black partly succeed in bringing life to this ornithological mish-mash of laughs and yawns. It’s bland and formulaic but somehow still manages to have its charms. THE BIG YEAR never soars like an eagle and isn’t entirely for the birds – but it’s a minor success that should bring grins to many of the 45+ audience who’ll actually line up to see it.


Rated: PG-13
Starring: Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black
Directed by: David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me)
Running time: 100 minutes
Story: Based on Mark Obmascik's 1998 book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession," the film is about three men who try to outdo each other in a bird-watching competition to spot the rarest birds in North America. The rivalry is an allegory for the challenges each faces in his own life. (20th Century Fox)
Trailer: http://www.thebigyearmovie.com/