Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Big Fan (2009)

DPBigFanPoster What is it about?


Paul Aufiero, an obsessed New York Giants fan, struggles to deal with the consequences after he is assaulted by his favorite football player and hero.

Who is in it?

Patton Oswalt – Paul Aufiero

Kevin Corrigan – Sal

Michael Rapport – Philadelphia Phil



Favorite Scene:


Sal visits Paul in jail and reveals the upcoming Giants season schedule to him. After looking at the schedule and projecting the Giants season, Paul looks forward to the Patriots game because it’s the day he gets out of jail. Then claims, “it’s gonna be a great year!”.

Favorite Quote:

“It’s gonna be a great year!”

Review:

Big Fan is a film that all sports fans should put time aside to watch. A very realistic film that sheds light on the sports fan that bases his life around his sports team and the world of sports. From the screenwriter of “The Wrestler”, the film does a great job of portraying reality and the life of a devoted sports fan all while acknowledging their over-the-top mindset and humorous behavior.

Patton Oswalt is very convincing in Big Fan as “Paul”, which is somewhat similar to the character of “Spencer” he played on The King of Queens. Oswalt is absolutely believable in the role, and seems comfortable in playing the obsessed-loser hardcore Giants fan content with his life.

The only drawback is the lack of development of the surrounding characters in the plot, and the lack of depth in the overall plot. There are times where you feel like you only know the characters because they are a familiar face, rather than their name and meaning to the film. And what happened to Quantrell Bishop?

Nonetheless, Big Fan is a film is not great, but is definitely not terrible. At the 88 minute run time, it is highly relatable and recommended for the sports fan – in between the games, of course.

Grade: 1.9/5

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: My Island Vibes

I would love to have an island, of all the people,  who brought great vibes to my life - past and present.  My island would be amazing. 

The Madness is Maddening

There is a lot that can be said about the state of college athletics, particularly basketball. NIL has surely shaken the foundation that once grounded college sports for the product that we see today. There is a lot that can be said, and lots of conversations that can be extended for hours of thoughtful dialogue (by the right people).  The current March Madness playing out - on both sides - has plenty of thoughts (and mostly feelings) bouncing around in my mind (and heart).  Just a few:  I really do love how much the Women's game has grown and improved. In various ways, the pureness of the game itself is often more enjoyable than the current men's game.  Despite the growth, the lopsided scores in the first two rounds are evident of a still top-end talent pool. Overall, there is room for growth in talent around the country. The "student-athlete" in this space is on life support. In many ways it's dead.  It's outright sad to see programs that have zero continuit...

Predictions and Wild Guesses for the 2025 MLB Season

Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.  White Sox fans, how are we feeling?  As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.  Good luck, White Sox.  --- STANDINGS (WIN) AL EAST  Yankees - 92 Red Sox - 90 Orioles - 88 Rays - 85 Blue Jays - 82 AL CENTRAL Royals - 90 Tigers - 90 Guardians - 88 Twins - 87 White Sox - 65 AL WEST Rangers - 92 Astros - 92 Athletics - 86 Mariners - 85 Angels - 77 NL EAST Phillies - 94 Mets - 92 Braves - 88 Nationals - 78 Marlins - 75 NL CENTRAL Cubs - 88 Brewers - 88 Reds - 87 Pirates - 83 Cardinals - 80 NL WEST Dodgers - 96 Diamondbacks - 90 Padres - ...