'The Big Year’ Hits Theaters, A Low Point in Steve Martin's Career?
“The Big Year” starring Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin hit theaters Friday and is expected to meet challenges at the box office this weekend.
Based on the book by Mark Obmascik, the film follows three avid bird watchers competing to spot the rarest birds during a prestigious annual event in North America.
Each of the three characters come to cross-roads in their lives and together, decide to take an entire year dedicated to following their dreams. Their big year takes the friends on a life-altering journey filled with humor and adventure.
Directed by David Frankel, the three friends are fanatical about the annual bird-spotting event, and in the challenge to find the rarest species, truths about their lives are revealed.
Also appearing in the film are actors Rashida Jones of “The Office,” Anjelica Huston, Dianne Wiest, and JoBeth Williams.
Released Friday by 20th Century Fox, “The Big Year” competes with strong contenders, such as Universal Pictures’ horror film, “The Thing,” Summit Entertainment’s “The Three Musketeers, and Paramount’s reboot of “Footloose.”
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the online movie review service, “The Big Year” was rated 5.1 out of a possible 10 points.
Posting their opinions on Rotten Tomatoes’ website, many critics have reviewed the film with mostly negative comments.
Colvin Covert who writes for the Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote, “You doubt that even the people making it enjoyed it. A better title would be “The Big Yawn.”
In another scathing review, New York Post writer Lou Lumenick said, “This movie stubbornly refuses to take flight, or generate more than a few chuckles.”
Claudia Puig from USA Today liked “The Big Year,” writing, “This gently charming comedy about a trio of birders is based on a winning premise, likable performances and stunning natural vistas.”
“The Big Year” is rated PG for language and some sensuality.
