We have to admit, we kind of totally forgot this movie even existed, but with the release date now six weeks out, Fox decided to actually start promoting the upcoming comedy “The Big Year.” Judging by the first trailer, we probably would’ve been fine leaving this one to the recesses of our memory.
Starring Owen Wilson, Steve Martin and Jack Black the film chronicles three schlubs in various states of crises who embark on a year dedicated to living out their dreams, which include a bird watching competition. But really, this kind of just plays like a lesser version of “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” with three people instead of two, with a contemporary, generation-spanning woe-is-me undercurrent taped to it. We’re just not feeling to sympathetic for Martin’s retirement blues from his cushy job or Wilson and Black’s malaise from their lives which include — respectively — big houses and late night phone calls to Rashida Jones. David Frankel of “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Marley & Me” fame directs so you should know exactly the tone this one will evince. Oh, and one more thing: can we cool it with stars introducing trailers? It’s rarely ever amusing or funny. Seriously Hollywood, stop.
“The Big Year” opens on October 14th. Check out the synopsis, poster and trailer below (or in HD at Apple).
Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson are at a crossroads — one is experiencing a mid-life crisis, another a late-life crisis, and the third, a far from ordinary no-life crisis. From David Frankel, the director of The Devil Wears Prada and Marley & Me, comes a sophisticated comedy about three friendly rivals who, tired of being ruled by obligations and responsibilities, dedicate a year of their lives to following their dreams. Their big year takes them on a cross-country journey of wild and life-changing adventures.
