Rare Birds

2001

Rare Birds

Critics Consensus

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54%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 13

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,351
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Movie Info

Iceland-born Canadian filmmaker Sturla Gunnarsson spins this offbeat comedy about fine food and feathered friends. The owner of a failing gourmet eatery in a small Newfoundland town, Dave Purcell (William Hurt) is about to throw in the towel. As he raids his wine cellar and nurses his sorrows, his wacky friend Alphonse Murphy (Andy Jones) hatches a scheme to save the restaurant. They announce a faked sighting of a rare bird in the restaurant's vicinity, and soon bird watchers and even celebrities are pouring into the establishment. Dave's restaurant is so busy, in fact, that he hires Alphonse's shapely sister-in-law, Alice (Molly Parker), and in less time than it takes to burn a soufflé, romantic sparks are flying between the two. Unfortunately, Alphonse's schemes aren't limited to ornithological fraud. He has some hackneyed plan involving a submarine and a pile of cocaine that could bring down all that Dave has built. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival.

Cast

William Hurt
as Dave
Andy Jones
as Alphonse
Molly Parker
as Alice
Cathy Jones
Vicky Hynes
as Deb
Greg Malone
as Buster
Michael Chaisson
as Dr. Tomlinson
Maggie Myer
Barry Newhook
as Caller No. 1
Laura Tobin
as Girl No. 1
Maggie Meyer
as Girl No. 2
Frankie O'Neil
as Brit Woman
Leah Lewis
as Bette
Matthew Clarke
Sheila McCarthy
as Claire
Lawrence Barry
as Hooligan
Todd Perrin
as Cook
Mark Critch
as Dougie
George Jonas
as Dr. Hans Spiedal
Deidre Gillard-Rowlings
as Waitress
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Critic Reviews for Rare Birds

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (6)

View All Critic Reviews (13)

Audience Reviews for Rare Birds

  • Jul 05, 2012
    Cute little film set in a sleepy Newfoundland town that is set upon by outsiders all in searchof an elusive bird. Touching with good character interaction.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Mar 19, 2010
    Shot in beautiful Newfoundland by Icelandic director Sturla Gunnarsson. Based on the novel by Canadian Edward Riche, who also wrote the screenplay. Stars Molly Parker, a wonderful Canadian actress.
    Laura C Super Reviewer
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