Big Fan
Release Date: January 18, 2009
Run Time: 1 hour & 28 minutes
Reviewed By: Scott
“Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt), a parking-garage employee, is a huge fan of the New York Giants. He lives at home with his mother (Marcia Jean Kurtz) and spends much of his free time extolling the virtues of his favorite football team on sports radio. One night, Paul and his best friend, Sal (Kevin Corrigan), spy Giants linebacker Quantrell Bishop (Jonathan Hamm) in their neighborhood and follow him to a strip club. Paul decides to approach his idol, but the encounter goes very badly.”
Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt), a 30 something year old, still living with his Mom in New York, devotes his life to anything and everything New York Giants. He even calls into a sports radio station to combat a rival Eagles fan (Michael Rapaport) in a battle of fandom. His room is decked out in Giants gear and memorabilia. Noticeably, there is a giant Quantrell Bishop (Jonathan Hamm) poster in the center of the room. It becomes pretty clear that Quantrell is Paul’s favorite player. One night, Paul and his best friend, Sal (Kevin Corrigan), see his favorite player, Quantrell, at a gas station in a rough part of town. They decide to follow him, or stalk… you decide. Either way, they go all the way to a club in New York City. Paul and Sal, eager to grab the attention of the star linebacker, send him a drink and go over to talk to him. When Quantrell realizes they had been following him throughout the night, things turn ugly for Paul. Paul lands a beating from his idol and his idol’s posse. Paul is hospitalized and the police are looking for answers. Paul suddenly has “amnesia” as he hopes his favorite player, the Giants’ star, won’t get suspended. This puts Paul between a rock and a hard place, dealing with family, friends, and the police telling him what to do. Meanwhile, all he wants to do is stay faithful to the New York Giants and Quantrell.
Big Fan has all the feels… this coming from a Philadelphia sports fan. If you like the Giants, or the Eagles for that matter, than this is a great movie for you. Big Fan picks up the rivalry between the two teams and their fans. There is a scene where Paul walks into a Philadelphia sports bar and I instantly felt as if I were there. Patton Oswalt is the perfect part for this film. It’s witty, fun, and entertaining. It’s not a comedy, but has some funny moments.
I am glad I fell upon Big Fan. It’s a hidden gem that can be found on Amazon Prime.
Way Too Beautiful Reviews 
Sounds like a good one!! Have to spread the word!
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