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.
Acting
Three comedy legends playing small, sad men surprisingly well.
Cinematography
Gorgeously shot birds you'll immediately forget.
Writing
Quietly dismantles toxic masculinity via... birding?
Director
David Frankel
Steve Martin
Stu Preissler
Jack Black
Brad Harris
Owen Wilson
Kenny Bostick
Brian Dennehy
Raymond Harris
Anjelica Huston
Annie Auklet
Rashida Jones
Ellie
Rosamund Pike
Jessica
Dianne Wiest
Brenda Harris
JoBeth Williams
Edith
Anthony Anderson
Bill Clemont
Corbin Bernsen
Gil Gordon
Barry Shabaka Henley
Dr. Neil Kramer
Joel McHale
Barry Loomis
Tim Blake Nelson
Fuchs
Jim Parsons
Crane
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Real birders criticized the film for showing actors holding binoculars wrong—apparently there's a technique.
Based on Mark Obmascik's nonfiction book; actual Big Years involve sleep deprivation, financial ruin, and genuine emotional devastation.
US
