I'm a BIG FAN of Big Fan. The film is the directorial debut of screenwriter Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) and it's one that grabs you from the opening scene and keeps you hooked all the way to the WTF ending.
Patton Oswalt plays Paul Aufiero a 35+ single parking attendant who lives in Staten Island with his elderly mother. Paul's a man in a box - literally. He spends his time either in the parking attendant's box in the garage where he works, or his tiny bedroom.
His only outlet is his devotion bordering on demonic possession for his beloved NY Giants. The man eats, sleeps and breathes Giants football. With a wardrobe consisting of Giants fan apparel and faded hoodies, this guy is What Not To Wear's worst nightmare.
Other than sports talk radio, Paul's only friend is Sal (a terrific performance by Kevin Corrigan) who is HIS #1 fan. Sal celebrates every syllable when Paul calls in to expresses his views on his favorite sports show. He's a cheerleader who thinks Paul's insightful comments are shoot-from-the-hip brilliant, when in fact they're scripted and rehearsed.
These are guys who attend every Giants game but can't afford tickets to see the action on the field. Instead, they watch the game on a 13" set perched on the trunk of a rusted out Toyota in the parking lot. What they lack in seats, they more than make up in enthusiasm. Wins are celebrated like New Year's Eve. Losses are mourned like the death of old friend.
Paul's life is going nowhere until he spots his favorite Giants quarterback gassing up his Escalade at a convenience store. When Paul and Sal decide to follow their hero their lives are changed forever.
The meet & greet at the strip club is a fantasy that turns into nasty reality when Paul is beaten within an inch of his life. It changes the little man, but doesn't diminish his fanatical love of the game. The man in the box suddenly becomes the man in the spotlight. A role that fits him about as well as his oversized hoodie.
Paul is forced to face his fandom head on. Does he press charges and kill all hopes of a Giants winning season? Or, does he keep his mouth shut and root from the parking lot? Oswalt turns in a wonderful performance as the guy who's battered and conflicted. You almost want to reach into the screen and shake some sense into him.
The movie has a WTF ending that marries elements of Taxi Driver, The Godfather and Dumb and Dumber. Big Fan is a movie that may not make you cheer, but it's a game you'll never forget.
The Boomer Brief recommends Netflix for your movie rentals. The monthly rental packages start at only $4.99 - and you can cancel at any time.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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