Rating: 
Summary: boring and messy
Review: My husband and I both enjoy many different kinds of comedy films, and neither of us enjoyed this boring mess. While the characters were colorful and fun, after a while it seemed that they were just shifted from one goofy situation to another without much linking them.
William Hurt is the chef-owner of an unsuccessful restaurant when his friend Phonse comes up with a way to bring tourists to the area -- pretend a rare bird has been sighted. Hurt's performance is good but he has too many ludicrous lines to speak, and the movie never really goes anywhere. We were both very bored watching. My husband eventually read a book, and I only finished so I could write this review in good conscience.
Obviously a lot of people really liked this film, so don't take my word for it, but be aware that you may find it really dull.
Minimal special features: commentary track with the director; trailer; computer-generated production artwork.
Rating: 
Summary: An entertaining film
Review: This film was entertaining from start to finish and the scenery of Newfoundland was spectacular! It's refreshing to see a good Canadian film for once!
Rating: 
Summary: NOT AN UGLY DUCKLING AT ALL.
Review: This is yet another movie filmed in New-Found-Land , the other being 'The Shipping News' and that being said, it is the only similarity... Where as Ship News was dark, moody, and sinking in its' own sea of muck. (Rare Birds) is on the opposite end of the scale, light, witty, much more lively character to watch. This little gem of a movie got lost in the 9/11 murder-madness and went right to dvd and video. I am reviewing the DVD, which has a lot of info. on it.William Hurt, John, " Kiss Of The spider Women ,"Altered States, is very funny as the (Off the beaten path restaurant gormet cook, owner.) Whose clientele is non existent? John is about to throw in the towel when his friend, Andy Jones(ll), (Phonce), comes up with an idea to get people for the restaurant.
He comes up with an idea of sighting a rare bird, Duck, in the ocean below the restaurant. The scheme and how they set it up is hilarious. Also Phonce has a paranoia re; people in motor homes and he thinks the're out to get him which is half right. There is a scene in a homemade submarine which Phonce built in his secret tunnel under his garage. A real hoot! There are frogmen, a CEO from a corp. trying to get an invention which Phonce's one time partner invented, sheet's of light hung up on clotheslines , with clothspins , in the tunnel.
The people start coming to eat, and John hires more staff and there is a love which develops between John and Alice. But things start to unravel and the laughs keep getting longer. The cinematography is great and the sun really does shine in New-Found-Land!!
ciao yaaah69
Rating:
Summary: Never a Dull Moment
Review: This movie is going to be added to my video collection as soon as the price drops. William Hurt's performance is quite believable, as is that of Andy Jones. Hurt's character, Dave, is a restaurateur whose eating establishment is in an out of the way place on the bay; so out of the way that The Auk is going under for lack of business! Enter Phonce (Andy Jones). Phonce invites Dave over for a look at his "RSV" (recreational submarine vehicle) which he has been constructing in the WWII vintage tunnel that is on his property. Add to that the mystery surrounding the "svedtka" lamps which the Europeans left in his tunnel, and Phonce's plan to rescue Dave and the restaurant from bankruptcy, and POOF! - a grand scheme to spot a rare bird in the bay in front of The Auk, and bring in "birders" from everywhere. Birders who will, naturally, be very hungry. Very funny movie and heartwarming story. Great acting; zany characters. A must see, and after you've seen it once, you'll have to own it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Unlike Shipping News, this movie shows Newfoundlanders for what they are - quirky, funny and lovable. Not the usual plot, this story all takes place around a wooden bird and the hilarity that ensues when this bird (previously believed to be extinct) is spotted. I couldn't stop laughing the whole time! If you enjoyed the original Austin Powers or Waking Ned Devine you will love the humor in this book turned movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: With quirky characters and authentic scenery remniscent of "Waking Ned Devine", this movie is a great addition to your library. If you are sick of the holywood formula and appreciate the genuine humor of such movies as "An Everylasting Peace" you'll love this one. Great Newfoundland Scenery, and characters - Andy Jones steals the show.
| 
