Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Big Year Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  The Big Year is getting the enthusiastic support of the Audubon Society, and has an innocence and charm that will make it appealing for families, especially those who have had enough whales and dolphins for the year.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesBetsy Sharkey

  If you're in the mood for some feathery fluff of the happy-sappy-and-not-wholly-unpleasant sort and need a break from snark, there is The Big Year.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York TimesA.O. Scott

  Like birding itself, The Big Year rewards patience. It respects both the integrity and the eccentricity of the avian obsession, and it communicates something of the fascinating abundance and weirdness of the animals themselves.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterTodd McCarthy

  The uniformly winning cast, led by Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, and the ultra-accessible touch provided by director David Frankel provide for a constant steam of gentle mirth, if not huge laughs.

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• 67

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  The more I sat through it, the more it won me over in its very benign high-concept way. It's like "City Slickers" remade for the Discovery Channel.

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• 63

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  Inspired by Mark Obmascik's book, the tale focuses on universal themes of pursuing a dream and tapping into an adventurous spirit.

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• 50

  out of 100

  VarietyBrian Lowry

  Director David Frankel's picture delivers sweet and (more rarely) amusing moments, but this odd duck never completely gets off the ground.

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See all The Big Year movie reviews at Metacritic.com