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Image and video hosting by TinyPic Cast: Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson

Director: David Frankel

Genre: Comedy

Year: 2011

Rating: PG

Three avid bird watchers compete to spot the rarest birds in North America at a prestigious annual event.

Even before the film starts you see a black screen that reads "true story, only the facts were changed." You know right then and there you are in for something light and possibly fun. The film about an annual event that takes place every year between these bird watchers to see who can count the most birds in a year. It turns into an avid confrontational race between Brad a nuclear power plant techie, Kenny returning champ, and Stu corporate head who's trying to retire from success.

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"The Big Year" didn't fair well in theaters which is a shame but I suppose marketing a film about bird watchers is a bit of a task. That said I found the film to be a funny, low key affair that isn't filled with a laugh a minute but it doesn't need to be either because the film focuses largely on it's characters. Steve Martin and Owen Wilson are terrific in their roles and even Jack Black gives a good performance, he isn't his usual obnoxious self and it's his character you end up rooting for the most.

The story is mainly about the competition between the three main characters but there is also a good bit of drama in the film as well, as the story moves along you get to watch each character change as they begin to realize what is really important in life. There's a lot to like about "The Big Year" and I think it is going to fair a lot better on home video than it did at theaters mainly due to strong word of mouth from those that take the chance to see a film based on bird watching.

The film moves a long at a nice pace and the music used in the film is terrific as well.

If you're a fan of any of the film's stars I mentioned above or are just looking for something a bit different to watch then I highly recommend checking this one out, you are going to be glad you did.

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The film is available in several packaging choices which includes Single DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray Combo-Pack. The Specials Features include:

Extended Feature Film

“The Big Migration” featurette

Deleted Scenes

Roger Tory Peterson

Bird Behavior

Stu Late for Boat, Bird Puns with Brad & Ellie, Stu Gets Bostick’s Autograph

Longer Boat End, Dock, Pretzels & Skippy

Nozzle Theft and Other Newscasters

Longer Cars to HI

Cereal Rat with Talk

Lanky Birder Makes Time with Ellie

Stu’s Summer Montage with Fire Island Fauna

Bostick Returns Home

Long Pelagic

Bostick Goes to China

Gag Reel

There's a lot to like here, the film has a certain charm to it and the acting is terrific. I never thought I could enjoy a film about counting birds as much as I did. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance. In the end I think you are going to find it to be as entertaining as I did.

Released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

*** 1/2 Out Of *****