“A Birder’s Guide to Everything” presents a reasonably engaging narrative, boasting seemingly intelligent writing that delves into both the avian world and the lives of teenagers. Alex Wolff delivers a standout performance, and Timmy is a compelling character. Katie Chang also makes a significant contribution. Ellen possesses a likeable and intelligent persona, though she faces challenges in forming friendships due to frequent relocations.
Kodi Smit-McPhee effectively portrays an ordinary kid, particularly poignant when David expresses grief. This movie shows the importance of birds in the context of life, death and tragedy.
Sir Ben Kingsley maximizes his impact in what amounts to a relatively small role, with a powerful first scene. His presence elevates the film, displaying his acting talent. While this might not be the typical role one associates with him, his involvement significantly enriches the movie.
The scenery is stunning when bird watching is featured. The detailed imagery helps showcase the world of the birders.
Is “A Birder’s Guide to Everything” appropriate for families? The movie contains some adult language that might not be suitable for younger viewers.
Although the movie had some background music (being a film for teens), the boys do appreciate classical music. Furthermore, several scenes involving adults, including the wedding scene, had jazz music.
Overall, “A Birder’s Guide to Everything” is a commendable cinematic exploration.
