SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS – A Review by Jenn Rohm
Fans of Ray Romano will be pleased to see he has a new movie out. Directed, co-written, and starring Romano is Somewhere in Queens. This is the story of Leo and how he handles one of the many crossroads in life. Part of a large Italian American family with everyone in everyone else’s business, Leo is married to his high school sweetheart Angela (Laurie Metcalf) and works for his brother and father in the family construction business. Leo has found some fame by attending his son’s basketball games and this has brought him happiness. A spark of hope, that the fame can continue occurs when a talent scout offers an introduction to a school in Philly. Losing focus on doing what is best for his son vs what he wants for himself, Leo inserts himself in his son’s first relationship.
This was a well-made movie; I am just not the demographic it was made for. I found the plot predictable and too many cliches included. How many events are celebrated across 6 months at the same event location, with the same DJ? How many family members come to Sunday meal? Does an adult daughter who has not been married always stay home to take care of Mom?
The characters were well-rounded and strong acting allowed for the delivery of a few surprises. I was pulled in for the story and only checked the time at around an hour in. The script had a good flow and kept the movie relatable.
If you are looking for a movie from a Parent’s perspective for the last part of Senior year into the next school year, I do recommend this film. If you are a fan of Ray Romano and/or Laurie Metcalf I do recommend this film.
Director: Ray Romano
Written By: Ray Romano and Mark Stegemann
Cast: Ray Romano, Laurie Metcalf, Tony Lo Bianco, Sebastian Maniscalco, Jennifer Esposito, Jacob Ward, Sadie Stanley, Dierdre Friel & Jon Manfrellotti
MPAA Rating: R for language and some sexual material
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Selig Rating: 3 Stars
Runtime: 1h 46m
Movie Site: Somewhere in Queens Official Site
Trailer: Somewhere in Queens Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
