Ray Romano has been an adored comedian who has captivated audiences with his humor for many years. He became a household name with his hugely popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which graced television screens from 1996 to 2005. Ray’s impeccable depiction of the show’s namesake character, a bumbling yet endearing family man striving to navigate the twists and turns of daily life, won over the hearts of fans.
Now Ray Romano sits in the director’s chair for his directorial debut, Somewhere in Queens. The film starts off with a wedding celebration, where a videographer is capturing a series of comical and quintessentially Italian messages for the newlyweds. Somewhere in Queens doesn’t waste any time setting the tone and structure of the film, immediately drawing the audience in with a blend of humor and heart. The movie introduces the sprawling Russo family, a tight-knit Italian clan that gathers every weekend to revel in their shared culture and uphold certain expectations for each other. Amidst the boisterous family shenanigans, the camera centers on the Russo family’s core figures, Leo (Ray Romano) and his son Sticks (Jacob Ward), showing their sharp-witted exchanges and warm, affectionate bond. Right from the start, it’s evident how the Russo family perceives Leo and Sticks. Leo, always the black sheep, isn’t seen as someone who will amount to much, while Sticks fails to live up to the traditional standards of manhood that the family holds dear.
The film shifts and we quickly jump to the next day, featuring brief interactions between Leo and his wife Angela (Laurie Metcalf) before delving into the intricate dynamics between Leo, his brother, and his son. We soon learn that Leo is employed by the family business but is always overshadowed by his more successful and shrewd brother (Sebastian Maniscalco). Leo craves his father’s validation but constantly falls short, leaving him with a lingering sense of inadequacy. As the movie moves from the wedding to a business setting, the audience witnesses the family’s expectations and perceptions of Leo reinforced and solidified. Instead of delving into the reasons behind this dynamic, Somewhere in Queens embraces it and carries on with the story it wants to tell. Viewers are almost made to feel like outsiders, peeking into a moment and struggling to make sense of the complex family dynamics that have been in place for quite some time. The film offers a unique and engaging perspective on the struggles of a family and the weight of expectations.
The movie keeps up a nonstop pace, graciously moving between different aspects of the Russo family’s life. The film never loses momentum, with every scene packed full of energy. In one particular sequence, the focus shifts to Sticks high school, where the last game of the season is about to take place. As the crowd cheers Sticks on, the bonds of family are strengthened even further. But, as is often the case with families, new challenges soon arise from unexpected sources. A talent scout and a mysterious girlfriend both enter the picture, presenting new obstacles for the Russo family to overcome. Despite these challenges, however, the film remains a fun and inspiring tale of family resilience and the power of love. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the story is filled with moments of heartwarming humor and poignant reflection.
As the second act kicks off, you may find yourself experiencing a sense of déjà vu, as some of the story’s elements seem all too familiar and well-worn. It’s a tale that’s been told many times before, and there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking or revolutionary about it. But don’t be too quick to dismiss it, because the script’s humor and charm have a magical quality that will sweep you off your feet. Despite the lack of originality, this movie manages to keep the story fresh and engaging, capturing your attention from start to finish. At its core, this is a film about the importance of family, and it never loses sight of that. Its pace is brisk and unrelenting, ensuring that you feel every twist and turn of the emotional journey it takes you on.
Ray Romano and co-writer Mark Stegemann have created an inspiring and heartwarming script that captures the essence of family dynamics with a warm and relatable feel. Despite tackling some heavy themes, they infuse humor and warmth throughout, making the movie a delightful experience. The entire cast delivers brilliant performances that bring authenticity and nuance to every moment and interaction. The dynamic between each actor is engaging and captivating, leaving you feeling every emotion and invested in the characters. It’s a fun and engaging film that reminds us of the beauty and importance of family. It may not have the most compelling and original story this year, but Somewhere in Queens has a warm heart and feel-good humor that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Somewhere in Queens will be released in theaters beginning April 21, 2023 courtesy of Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.
Ray Romano and co-writer Mark Stegemann have created an inspiring and heartwarming script that captures the essence of family dynamics with a warm and relatable feel.
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GVN Rating 7.5
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It all started when I was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Spider-Man: Animated Series and Batman. Since then I’ve been hooked to the world of pop culture. Huge movie lover from French New Wave, to the latest blockbusters, I love them all. Huge Star Wars and Marvel geek. When I’m free from typing away at my computer, you can usually catch me watching a good flick or reading the next best comic. Come geek out with me on Twitter @somedudecody.