Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 11+
Sweet travelogue/comedy is tame but not aimed at kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
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Products & Purchases
some
Many logos and brand names are visible, including Apple, 3M, Motorola, Microsoft, TripAdvisor, Snyder's pretzels, Dell, BlackBerry, iPhone, Oreo, Bergdorf, Nissan, Miller Lite, and more.
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Language
some
"S--t" is used, and there's one (nearly) silent mention of "what the f--k." Other words include "suckers," "damn," "ass," "hell," "goddamn," and "crap."
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a little
Some social drinking, but not really to the point of inebriation.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
References between a husband and wife about needing to have sex to make a baby. Some flirting and kissing. References to birds' mating behavior.
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Violence & Scariness
very little
Some fighting among family members. Two characters get into a car crash caused by lack of sleep.
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Positive Messages
some
The movie's central positive take-away is that it's good to set goals and work toward them, no matter the pace or the glory. Also, sometimes the goals change as you change -- and that's OK; we're all works in progress.
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Positive Role Models
a little
One of the main characters is hyper-focused on winning, even if it costs what matters most. But the two other birders are seeking balance and focus on the joy of their pursuit.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this good-natured comedy about birding enthusiasts may initially disappoint fans expecting the usual shtick from co-stars Jack Black and Owen Wilson. But they'll get over it, because what's left is an offbeat, gentle, but still hilarious movie about finding your bliss ... with balance. (There's lots to learn about birds, too.) Although the movie is rated PG, and the content is mild overall -- there's some swearing (including "s--t") and some sexual references -- this movie is more likely to appeal to older tweens, teens, and adults than younger kids. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
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2:24
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The Big Year
Parent and Kid Reviews
See all
- Parents say (5)
- Kids say (13)
age 11+
Based on 5 parent reviews
TrueMo Parent of 7 and 11-year-old
December 22, 2016
age 13+
Slow, predictable comedy about obsessive bird watchers.
Three normally very funny comedians who clearly have been told to tone down by the director. I was quite shocked as to how the actress who played Owen Wilson's wife was used in this movie though. Normally a good actress but reduced to no more than a pin up with loose clothing and a very heated session on the bed with her husband. I honestly don't think this movie would appeal to children as is more of an adult feel good movie. The movie never really lifts off but there is enough to keep you going. I particularly liked the many many many different places they visit and think it's one of the strengths to the movie. The movie however did have a good message to share.
Mummy Roo Adult
January 20, 2014
age 10+
Love this movie - family favourite!
This has become one of our all time favourite movies. Funny, but not overdone. The 3 mains are just great. beautiful scenery, great music and good plot. My 10 yr old daughter was so impressed by this that she requested binoculars and a birding book for Christmas. It also led me to read the book - slightly different but easy to spot the characters - great, funny book too.
See all 5 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Contractor Ken Bostick (Owen Wilson) holds the record for a so-called "big year" in bird watching, having spotted 732 feathered species around the globe. He's anxious to preserve his place as birding king, even if it means forgoing baby-making duties with his wife (Rosamund Pike). But the competition is breathing down his neck, namely amiable Brad Harris (Jack Black), a computer techie with a big heart, a disapproving dad (Brian Dennehy), and an ever-supportive mom (Dianne Wiest). Brad can barely afford to try for the record, but he wants to anyway. And then there's mogul Stu Preissler (Steve Martin), who decides it's really, truly, finally the time to retire so that he can indulge in his favorite pastime -- and make birding history, too. Competition, hilarity, and, in some cases, lifelong friendship ensue.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (5):
Kids say (13):
It's hard to imagine Jack Black and Owen Wilson in a quiet movie (Steve Martin is less of a stretch), but here they are. The title is a decoy, really; though THE BIG YEAR could have gone big (and gone home as yet another obnoxiously loud film), it instead delivers subtlety and soul. So what if it's not laugh-out-loud funny? Yes, it could have used a few more major moments, and the competition could have been amped up for deeper laughs. But what we get instead isn't a bird of the same feather; instead, it's one that -- wait for it -- soars.
In all earnestness, expect to be surprised at how educational The Big Year feels (just wait for the scene showing how the bald eagle mates). But what differentiates the movie from a National Geographic special are its three leads, all of whom exhibit exquisite control over their comedic gifts. They've each found a way to mute (in a good way) their individual sensibilities -- Black's rocker-in-your-face-ness, Martin's sometimes too-cosmopolitan wit, and Wilson's aw, shucksness -- that, when let loose, sometimes overwhelm. Sure, each character's romantic counterparts seem incidental, and the film occasionally borders on identity disorder with its travelogue elements (did we really need to see quite so many countries and cities?). Otherwise, it's a delight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about friendship? About competition?
How does the movie handle each character's obsession? Is it an accurate depiction of how a hobby can consume? Have you ever had an interest that "took over"?
How does this movie compare to the stars' other films? Who do you think it's most likely to appeal to? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 14, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: January 31, 2012
- Cast: Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Steve Martin
- Director: David Frankel
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, Wild Animals
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: language and some sensuality
- Last updated: April 18, 2024
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