Most of the talk around this film has been about Patton Oswalt's surprisingly tragic turn as its central character, an obsessive sports fan whose idolization of his heroes is called into question. Most comedic actors try something "serious" eventually, but usually once they're much more established as stars than Oswalt is. And it's a good performance. It suits the film, too, something that we can laugh at but also recognize the inherent sadness of it. If you've ever been obsessed with something -- and who hasn't? -- you'll recognize yourself here, and how seemingly trivial things can become life or death.
Big Fan does feel a little slight, more like a stretched-out sitcom episode than an actual film. Most unfortunately, there's not enough plot, and the film has a tendency to paint in broad strokes. But if it's never really a transcendent movie, it's always an entertaining ones, equal parts pleasant and uncomfortable. A decent way to while away an afternoon and alienate the sports fans in your life.
Big Fan does feel a little slight, more like a stretched-out sitcom episode than an actual film. Most unfortunately, there's not enough plot, and the film has a tendency to paint in broad strokes. But if it's never really a transcendent movie, it's always an entertaining ones, equal parts pleasant and uncomfortable. A decent way to while away an afternoon and alienate the sports fans in your life.