by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Wait… Ray Romano is directing a new movie? I was quite surprised to find out that Romano was going behind the camera to bring the Italian-American story of Somewhere in Queens to live. Romano takes on the role of a father whose son might just get the opportunity to go away to college to play basketball while he is stuck working construction with an overbearing father. From the second the trailer dropped, Italian-Americans certainly felt seen. This is no mobster movie or crass caricature like Jersey Shore.This is a film about family (yes, a film REALLY about family) and the challenges of making a better life.
How accurate is this portrayal of an Italian-American family in Somewhere in Queens? From experience… darn accurate. The family dynamic has layers and delivers plenty of engaging moments. First off, this film is quite funny. There isn’t just one character who gets to enjoy the comic relief either. Each character has their own charm and personality that can grab the audience’s attention. That is why the ensemble turns out to be so impressive. There are different types of humor as well. Romano’s Leo is goofy and full of dad jokes. Most of the family, especially Sebastian Maniscalco, are biting and sarcastic. They each bring their own brand out of frustration, overconfidence, or other means, but they all bring the laughs.
But does Romano dig deeper than just dealing laugh after laugh? He certainly does. This story finds a young man, Sticks (Jacob Ward), lost in what he wants to do, but he knows he loves his girlfriend, Dani (Sadie Stanley). The heartbreak that comes along with this tumultuous pairing brings plenty of emotion. Ward brings plenty of depth under his character’s quieter façade. Stanley also gets to show her acting chops in some deeply heartbreaking moments with Ward. But it is their chemistry when they are happy that makes the sad moments that much sadder.
But it is not just our young cast members who bring the emotion. Romano gives one of his better performances with his turn as the well-meaning, vulnerable, and struggling Leo. There are a few confrontations that Leo finds himself in which allow Romano to flex his chops, and the depth in the little choices he makes show his struggle as a caring husband and father who feels compelled by his own self-indulgent urges. There are some threads that feel a bit unnecessary in the greater narrative (including a potentially worrisome interaction with Jennifer Esposito’s character), but overall, this is an engaging ride.
Who is the true MVP of the film? Laurie Metcalf. She might just steal the whole entire film from Romano and Ward. Even though Leo and Sticks are interesting characters, and their arcs are great, Metcalf’s Angela is complex and impactful. Her journey is heartbreaking, as her previous health issues leaves her extra protective of her time with her son. Metcalf offers up an awards-worthy performance that will leave audiences reeling.
Is Somewhere in Queens a moving and funny drama? Romano weaves a web of characters and drama together while making sure the audience has fun along the way too. The empathy for this family is strong, and it gives a great representation of Italian-American culture as well. This is a nice little gem worth your time and attention.
Score: 8/10
Somewhere in Queens will be in theaters on April 21
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