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.

When I saw the cast and that it would be Romano's first time directing, I was curious to check out Somewhere in Queens. There seems to be some discontent amongst some viewers regarding tha description and the outcome. The marketing says both comedy and drama. While I don't think that was completely correct, I don't quite think it was completely wrong either. The word comedy is kind of loaded and creates expectations of laughs and potential hilarity. Somewhere in Queens is clear with its drama but I consider it more humorous, which to me suggests something more subtle, like a chuckle here or there, or you think to yourself 'that was kind of funny' but not really any out-loud laughter. That is what Somewhere in Queens gives the viewer, and I think it did both drama and humor fairly well. Along with a dose of sentiment, it all works and I think worth checking out.

Is this the most fun movie you'll ever see? No. Is it the most comedic roles for Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf? Not even close. Somewhere in Queens is, however, a different approach to showing just how deep family love can go. Right or wrong, funny, sad...real genuine love for family is a gift, and that is the true message here.

Somewhere in Queens is well-written, well-acted, and leaves you thinking about the several storylines days after seeing it. Family dynamics are always thought provoking, yes?!

To me, Sadie Stanley (a doppelgänger to Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You) is the standout here. Forget about her character Dani being the most grounded of all in the film, I found myself looking forward to her appearing on the screen. You're never really sure what Dani is going to say, but it's always with tons of heart.

This film is worth your time.

I'm glad I stumbled across this movie on Hulu and gave it a try. Seeing Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf as the leads clinched it for me, and it's totally worth the watch.

I'm not going to give you a recap like a lot of other raters do, because, hey... The description of the movie does that.

However, I could easily imagine something like this playing out in homes around the world, where we all can (sometimes) try too hard to make something happen, even if it means stepping on some toes.

I mean, don't ALL parents want to help their children achieve greatness in one form or another?

And the wedding where it all comes out? Who hasn't had a family reunion like this at one time or another?

Romano and Metcalf were both fantastic in this and believable as a married couple. The family members, always in their business, were also just as real.

This is a really good way to spend a couple hours to escape.