“Big Fan,” the directing debut of screenwriter Robert Siegel (“The Wrestler,” executive editor of The Onion), takes a focused look at an underachieving working class guy who must address his habit of acting as a doormat for others. It considers the mind of an idol-worshipper and explores how he differs from those in the mainstream.
Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt) is an uber New York Giants fan from Staten Island. He’s obsessed with the game and the team. He listens to sports talk radio daily and calls in nightly to swap insights and insults with other sports fanatics.
Paul is down and out. He lives at home with his mother, and he works as an attendant at a parking lot. He can’t afford to attend Giants games so he and his best bud Sal, (Kevin Corrigan) hang out on game days in the stadium lot and watch the tournaments on TV.
Paul’s love for the game appears harmless until he decides to stalk Giants footballer Quantrell Bishop (Jonathan Hamm) one evening in a chance encounter that turns violent.
After getting the stuffing knocked out of him by his idol, Paul remains a loyal fan and appears to have learned nothing from his experiences. In this way, “Big Fan” challenges conventional thinking. It asks viewers to consider whether there is anything wrong with Paul or his life. Those wanting a definitive answer to this question may be disappointed.
Oswalt, stand up comedian and “King of Queens” actor, thoroughly inhabits Paul’s character. He is believable as the antisocial slug turned misfit. And Corrigan plays their bromance to perfection. With solid acting from supporting cast, “Big Fan” generates some dark and funny moments.
“Big Fan” should provide a fun alternative for mature audiences wanting to avoid teen oriented fare such as “The Final Destination” and “Halloween II.”
“Big Fan” opens this weekend and stars Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Michael Rapaport, Marcia Jean Kurtz and Jonathan Hamm. Its running time is 85 minutes.