Somewhere In Queens (2023)

[Athena]

Directed by Ray Romano, in his directorial debut, from a screenplay by Romano and Mark Stegemann. The film stars Romano and Laurie Metcalf. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, 2022. It was released in the United States on April 21, 2023

[annzeepark914]

Ray--bless his heart.  He should have hired a real actor to play his role. Ray is a stand up comedian, not a professional actor. But, I must say, this film is very interesting (outside of Ray's depiction of his character).  At first viewing, you'd think it's the typical Italian-American-New York movie, the big crowd gathering around the dining room table every Sunday at 12:00, yelling at each other.  Well...yeah.  But there are some more interesting people at the table--the quiet teenage son & his new girlfriend...and Ray's wife with all her separate issues. To me, a good film is one that you keep thinking about, wondering about certain characters. I really liked this film despite Ray Romano's not very good depiction of a frustrated, working class dad (wish he had shaved!)  I'm still thinking about that sweet, kind, quiet, teen basketball star son. I recommend this film!

[StatisticalOutlier]

1 hour ago, annzeepark914 said:

I'm still thinking about that sweet, kind, quiet, teen basketball star son.

Shallow, I know, but I was distracted by his nose, which looked like it had been lopped off.  He's just very strange looking to me.  And I think he was just a little too shy to be believable.

I didn't mind Romano's performance, but I generally find him appealing.  I never watched his TV show when it originally aired, but see it in reruns when I'm surfing around and I really like it.  I thought what his character did in this movie was thought-provoking, especially in contrast to his much more likable character on TV.  And I think the movie was confidently directed, which always makes me feel good.

[EtheltoTillie]

I’m looking forward to seeing this. I always thought Romano did a good job as an actor in his comedy show, and he did a good job in that short lived Vinyl series.