The Big Year (2011)

Awards
- 1 win

Trivia
As of 2019, the record for a Big Year in the US is 836 species of birds.

Goofs
Attu island is not closer to Tokyo than Anchorage. Anchorage is 1440 miles from the island, Tokyo is closer to 2000 miles away.

Quotes
On Screen Text: [first lines, the text that appears on screen] This is a true story.
On Screen Text: Only the facts have been changed.

Crazy credits
During the end credits, photos of every bird found by the winner are shown.

Alternate versions
UK BluRay sports an Extended Cut of the film, adding a good six minutes of minor background information on the three main characters and special birds. It also replaces Jack Black's narration of the story with a new narration by John Cleese who also receives a credit in the opening title sequence.

Connections
Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.14 (2011)

Soundtracks
Minor Swing
Music by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli
Performed by Django Reinhardt
Courtesy of Bluebird/RCA Victor
By arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

I enjoyed this film. Jack Black can actually act. Who knew? And Steve Martin hasn't done anything this appealing since "Shopgirl." It's got some funny moments, and at least two laugh-out-loud moments, but mostly it's a movie with heart. And Black's character will tug at yours a little. Beautifully shot and sharply edited. Lovely scenery and wonderful music. I hope this is still in theaters at Thanksgiving, because it would be the perfect family outing (after devouring the Butterball species). The audience in my theater enjoyed it and some even applauded at the end. Eight is an honest vote, though I was tempted to give it a nine.