No, they didn’t make this up; The Big Year is based on the novel “The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession”, by Mark Obmascik.  Birders really do have something called The Big Year.  Or rather, there are several types of Big Year events throughout the world.  It’s one of the many, many things you get to learn about birding in this movie.  How there’s often a difference between birding and birdwatching is one.  That birders are probably cooler than you is another.  (They’ve probably been to more places and seen more things in one year than the average Joe Blow Couchsitter, that’s for sure.)  And btw, Attu Island, Alaska?  Kind of a big deal.  The Big Year pulls you into the world of birding, makes it look crazy, cool and amazing.  With this movie, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to it.

Another big deal is the star power in this movie.  No matter what style of comedy you’re into, it’s covered.  Okay, maybe Terrence and Phillip aren’t here, but with Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson you get the Old School, New School and Indie triumvirate.

These three actors work together beautifully, and they’re believable as avid avian addicts.  Martin’s big business mogul Stu that just wants to relax and enjoy the birds, Black’s schlub Brad that longs to make a name for himself, and Wilson’s Kenny, a birder who lives for being the best, all ring true.  So does the supporting cast.

Rosamund Pike plays Jessica, Kenny’s loving but put-upon wife with the same sort of sweetness she brought to Pride & Prejudice.  JoBeth Williams plays Stu’s understanding wife Edith, and Parks and Recreation’s Rashida Jones plays fellow birder Ellie, a woman that just wants to do the thing she loves.  Keep an eye out for Anjelica Huston as Annie Auklet, a boat captain with a very strong sense of who she likes and who she doesn’t.  It’s a bit part, but she shines.

The scenery is breathtaking, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled all over the US by the time the movie is done.  But the tight shots are crisp and clear as well, letting viewers take a good hard look at the birds the characters have been working so hard to find.  The soundtrack, with songs like Coldplay’s “When I Ruled The World” and The Eels “I Like Birds” helps to keep things fun, and moves the action along at merry pace.

Director David Frankel (Marley & Me) can also keep you on the edge of your seat.  Yes, really.  The camera work when Stu and Brad search for a Snowcock (yeah, I giggled too) by helicopter is better than most car chases I’ve seen on film lately.  (No disrespect to Fast Five.)

Best of all, The Big Year has me thinking about learning more about birding, and maybe even trying to find a group of birders to head out with.  That’s something I never thought I’d say, but The Big Year makes birding sound…well, like a hoot.