Big Fan

Many of us may know someone who follows his favorite sports team with unbridled intensity. Now imagine someone who does just that, without having any other interests, or for that matter much of a life, and you have Paul Aufiero, the big fan of Big Fan. Paul, played by Patton Oswalt, is in his mid-thirties, works at a dead-end job, and still lives at home with his mom. His sole interest in life is rooting for the N.Y. Giants: as pathetically as possible. During home games he goes to the stadium to tailgate, and since he doesn't have tickets he watches the games on a TV in the freezing cold outside. He's joined in this pursuit by his best, and likely only buddy Sal, played by indie stalwart Kevin Corrigan. He also calls in to a sports radio show to diss the hated Philadelphia Eagles from a script he prepares during the day. As sad as all this sounds, Paul really seems to like his life and never appears to yearn for anything more. When he and Sal happen to follow his favorite player to a strip club, Paul's life changes real fast. The script, by Robert Siegel, who also wrote The Wrestler, captures all of the pathos that a character like this engenders. It's also quite funny as well, and is one of the more successful black comedies I've seen in a while. This film is also quite optimistic, and celebratory of Paul, in spite of the outwardly sad nature of his existence. Big Fan, which was also directed by Mr. Siegel, is currently playing in very limited release. As we approach another season of endless Sundays spent on the couch I only hope that more than a few get to see this gem.

Rating - 3 1/2 Stars