Movie Reviews: 'The Big Year,' '50/50'

LaShauna Sewell, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After a couple of weeks off, I'm back! I plopped myself in comfy movie-theater seats to bring you my humble opinion about a couple of films.

Let's start with "The Big Year," which comes out Friday, October 14. It stars Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson as ultra-competitive birders. That's right. Birders. Don't call them bird watchers because that would be incorrect, my friends.

Martin, Black and Wilson are out to be the top birder in The Big Year competition. Participants have 365 days to spot as many species as possible. Wilson's character holds the record and he wants to make sure he keeps it. Yes, these guys are obsessed with ornithology. They trek across the country hunting for rare birds, and each one has to decide just how much he's willing to sacrifice in his personal life to be top dog… err, bird.

You would think with Martin, Black and Wilson headlining this movie, there would be some big laughs. There aren't. The movie is pleasant and you'll have a few chuckles, but that's it. It's a sweet but forgettable flick. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

"The Big Year" is rated PG.

On to my favorite movie of the week: "50/50." It actually came out a couple of weeks ago, but I'm just getting around to seeing it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a radio producer who learns he has a malignant tumor in his back. Seth Rogen is his skirt-chasing but well-meaning best friend.

"50/50" focuses on Gordon-Levitt's journey as he battles cancer, and how his journey affects his relationship with his family, best friend and even his new therapist (adorably played by Anna Kendrick).

This movie is like the guy version of "Terms of Endearment." The characters don't sit around and talk about their feelings, but the emotions are powerful and simmer throughout the movie. Just what is the "proper" reaction to the news that you have a rare, potentially deadly form of cancer? As the relative or friend of a cancer patient, how do you comfort without smothering? Just the word "cancer" is frightening for a lot of people, and "50/50" examines how the disease affects not only the patient but the people who love him.

Did I mention I love this movie? Because I do! It's so great, and Gordon-Levitt deserves an Oscar nomination. You must see it. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

"50/50" is rated R.