Big Fan
Seen it?2009 | 91 min | Comedy, Drama, Crime
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 308 times its budget, though it had almost no lasting buzz and a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Diner or The Drop, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Paul Aufiero, a 35-year-old parking-garage attendant from Staten Island, is the self-described "world's biggest New York Giants fan". One night, Paul and his best friend Sal spot Giants star linebacker Quantrell Bishop at a gas station and decide to follow him. At a strip club Paul cautiously decides to approach him but the chance encounter brings Paul's world crashing down around him.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.1 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$77 million worldwide on a $250K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 20K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Diner
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The Drop Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Robert D. Siegel
- Patton OswaltPaul Aufiero
- Kevin CorriganSal
- Michael RapaportPhiladelphia Phil
- Marcia Jean KurtzPaul's Mom
- Serafina FioreGina Aufiero
- Gino CafarelliJeff Aufiero
- Jonathan HammQuantrell Bishop
- Matt ServittoDetective Velardi
- Joe GardenDennis
- Polly HumphreysChristine