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It’s already a film festival favorite, but THE BIG SICK may end up being one of the more talked-about films of the year. Directed by Michael Showalter (HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS) and produced by Judd Apatow, the film is actually based on the true story of comedian/actor Kumail Nanjiani and how he met his real life significant other Emily V. Gordon (played in the movie by Zoe Kazan). Emily’s parents Terry and Beth are played in the movie by Ray Romano and Holly Hunter. Nanjiani was born in Pakistan, so his courtship of an American grad student wasn’t something that sat well with his Muslim family. Matters are made more difficult when Emily becomes suddenly ill, and Kumail must meet her parents for the first time while she lays in a coma. The trailer probably isn’t doing this one justice, as it’s been getting rave reviews. It should also be noted this comes from Amazon Studios, right on the heels of their success with MANCHESTER BY THE SEA. Check out the first look below and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Zoe Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) who he’s never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
