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

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...

Knicks Postseason 2026, Conference Finals vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

It feels like forever since we've played.  But we've got our opponent, and it's go time!  Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Like every other Knick fan, I too hoped for a seven-game series between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that's what we got. The long series added time for our squad to rest up (get healthy, OG!) and more time to scout exactly what we'll have to deal with in the Eastern Conference Finals.  We've been here before, and a trip to the NBA Finals once again feels all too close. All too real!  The Cavaliers present some interesting dynamics with their electric backcourt and the size up front with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. There are also two players on the roster, Dennis Schroder and Max Strus, who often find ways to stick it to the Knicks. Sam Merrill seems like the kind of guy who would join that group in this series.  Nonetheless, the Knicks are on a historic run. The Cavs have been knocking on t...

Knicks Postseason 2026, NBA Finals vs. San Antonio Spurs [in progress]

Part of me is in disbelief that we are here...the other part is raging and ready to go. Four more wins! Let's. GO! So much of this NBA Finals feels poetic, historical, and dream-worthy, for so many reasons, to so many different parties. This includes the NBA office. I'm sure they are loving this matchup for their biggest stage.  While defeating the Spurs does exercise some demons from 1999, I'm not sure I care about that at all. As noted from my thoughts in the Eastern Conference Finals, at this point, just win. Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Review Thoughts from Eastern Conference Finals Just. Win.  I don't care who the opponent is. The narrative that comes with it, or how we do it.  Just. Win. The NBA Cup win seems like whiteboard material for them, yet a serving example for us to match up with them. Again, it doesn't matter. Both teams are completely different beasts since November, through growth and experience.  This all comes down to...