Somewhere in Queens

Wish the movie world had more of this. I know those stories are out there, but we get bombarded with reboots and comic adaptations with weak storylines and zero depth.

This film is understated, and revolves around the father and his basketball son, with the friction arising between a caring father wanting a better life for his son, while the son wants to follow a path which isn't necessarily of his father's choosing. Also a sub-plot of first love, and the conflict within his girlfriend that cares for the boy but doesn't want a serious relationship.

If you like Ray Romano, you'll adore the film. It's not really a comedy, but there are definitely funny parts to it, and his measured dry approach is delivered beautifully. Hats off to Sadie Stanley that plays the girlfriend - she did what was quite a complex role, fantastically. I'm a 52 year old guy and felt weepy at the end. It's a touching film, and maybe won't have the profile or impact of an epic film, but it's a really beautiful story of a sweet Italian-American family coping with some problems in their lives. It's the type of film you want to hug, and I'd watch 100 films done like this.

Who should watch it? Anyone that likes real life, touched with comedy, romance, and anyone that likes the Italian-American family vibe. Most adults with a heart will love this film. Of course, it's not a thriller, action film or all out comedy. It's touching (but not a soppy girly chick-flick). Writing and especially the dialogue, if fantastic.

Ever since I stopped using DVDs I know I've been missing out on independent films. The previews always turned me onto something else I'd want to see, but we don't have that so much with streaming. This is the kind of independent movie I worry about missing out on.

I'm SO glad this movie was available on Hulu. Its a film about a family, but not necessarily a family film. I cried, laughed and rooted for everyone in it. There were no bad guys in it, just people who loved each other that sometimes did the wrong thing for the right reasons.

Movies as sweet as this, without being saccharine, are few and far between. As someone who never watched his show and disappointed with his earlier movies, I actually now want to check out more Ray Romano stuff of the last 5 years or so.

All of the other reviews have touched upon just how funny, touching and well acted this movie is. I would like to further add that the characters, family chemistry and the timing of the dialogue was outstanding. It rivals Moonstruck with its situational comedy, and it occasionally exceeds it. The real deal for me were the depth of the family secrets, how they bubbled to the surface and the pain/hurt that can be inflicted. It was raw and painful. Frankly, I couldn't see how they could overcome it. However, this movie really shines when it shows the strength of the family, how they overcome it and actual grow from it. I can't say anything more without giving away something so I would strongly encourage you to see it for yourself.

I've never been a Ray Romano fan, nor like movies even remotely about sports. However, I do love Laurie Metcalfe, and as an Alabama kid semi-adopted by an Italian family in Queens this one hit home. I'm giving it a 7 only because it will be near impossible to top Moonstruck for NYC Italian families- but this was touching and funny. Most importantly, no Transformers or super heroes, just a realistic family plot. Kudos to all the actors, and Dani was a standout.

I've seen some comments regarding language and the family dynamics- truth be told, this is the reality of an extended NYC Italian family. Don't come expecting a tv sitcom.

A little bit of everything, happy sad glad mad. Emotional for me ... a few tears, a lot of thought provoking and family dynamics, and in the end LOVE. Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf played roles different from their usual. Yes Ray had his comedy show but this was different for me. He showed a different side that took me by surprise. They were very authentic people with many complexities, It is the kind of movie I would want to watch again, to catch what I missed. To let it sink in even more the depth of it. I had read years ago that if you still think of the movie going home and thereafter, it is a story that has moved or effected you. The son and his girlfriend were very good, awkward and sensitive and sweet together. And for teenagers, very smart.