birdsoup

When I began this blog I never dreamed that it would ever include a movie review.  But, that what this post is.

Last evening a flock of local birders assembled at the Saw Mill Multiplex to view a movie on birders.  There were 77 of us.  I know the exact number because there were experienced hawk counters in the crowd. 

The movie, The Big Year, was based loosely on the book of the same name by Mark Obmascik that made the NYTimes best-seller list ten years ago.  In typical Hollywood fashion the story wasn’t just “adapted” it was pretty much re-written for the big screen and turned into a semi-comedy.  After all, what normal person would want to see a serious movie about 3 obsessed birders?

3 top comedic actors (Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson) portrayed the birders.  In addition other well known stars had cameo appearances – Anjelica Huston, JoBeth Williams, Brian Dennehy.  So the acting was top rate.  So was the cinema-photography with lots of scenes of birds and major birding spots.  The New York gave the movie a review but the Journal New felt it was average.  I felt it was only so-so.

It was entertaining, particularly for people interested in birds.  And non-birders would get a better sense of how much birder enjoy birding.  But it is not a “you have to see it” movie.

Read the book and see the movie, they reinforce each other.  However, if you can only do one, read the book.  It is an outstanding read.  And it is now out in paperback.  I carry it in the store.