Somewhere in Queens Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad from Queens goes full ‘Varsity Blues’ on his shy son, except instead of football, it’s basketball and instead of winning, everyone just yells at each other more.

🍿 Somewhere in Queens: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Russo Family

Leo (Ray Romano) and Angela (Laurie Metcalf) Russo navigate life in Queens, surrounded by their boisterous Italian-American family. Leo works in the family’s construction business, often overshadowed by his brother Frank. Angela, a breast cancer survivor, grapples with anxieties about her health and her son’s future.

Sticks’ Basketball Success

Their son, Matthew, nicknamed ‘Sticks,’ is a quiet and reserved high school student who excels at basketball. Sticks’ success on the court brings unexpected attention and the possibility of a college scholarship. Leo, harboring his own unfulfilled dreams, becomes fixated on his son’s potential.

Leo’s Overbearing Actions

Driven by a desire to provide a better future for Sticks, Leo begins to interfere in his son’s life, jeopardizing his relationships and his own marriage. His actions culminate in a series of events that threaten to tear the family apart. Leo’s well-intentioned but misguided efforts lead to conflict and strained relationships within the Russo family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Leo Russo (Ray Romano): A blue-collar father in Queens who interferes with his son’s basketball career and life, causing family conflict.
• Angela Russo (Laurie Metcalf): Leo’s wife and Sticks’ mother, a cancer survivor who balances family life and her own health concerns.
• Matthew ‘Sticks’ Russo (Jacob Ward): The Russo’s shy and anxious son, a talented basketball player navigating first love and parental expectations.
• Dani Brooks (Sadie Stanley): Sticks’ free-spirited girlfriend who challenges his sheltered worldview and future plans.
• Dominick ‘Pops’ Russo (Tony Lo Bianco): Leo’s father and the patriarch of the Russo family, running the family construction business.
• Frank Russo (Sebastian Maniscalco): Leo’s domineering younger brother who works as a foreman in their father’s construction business.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Leo Russo: “Everything you need to know about life, you can learn in ‘Rocky’.” – Leo, a fan of the film ‘Rocky’, often quotes it as a source of life lessons.
• Angela Russo: “Who’s this whore?” – Angela’s blunt reaction upon learning about her son’s girlfriend. It’s her final line in the movie.
• Leo Russo: “I love youse both.” – During a big Italian family dinner, demonstrating how the family connects despite shouting.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8 million
• Domestic Gross: $1,802,442
• Worldwide Gross: $1,802,442

💥 Somewhere in Queens Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Somewhere in Queens’! It reminded me so much of my own crazy family. The Sunday dinners, the constant yelling, and the underlying love were all so relatable. I especially connected with Laurie Metcalf’s character; she was hilarious and heartwarming. The scene at the wedding where everything comes out was so intense and funny. I also loved Sadie Stanley’s character; she brought a realness to it that I appreciated. If you’re looking for a movie about family, love, and Queens, definitely give this a watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramas with comedic elements”
  • “Those who appreciate stories about Italian-American culture”
  • “Individuals who enjoy films that explore the complexities of parental relationships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Profanity”
  • “Mature themes related to family conflict”
  • “Discussion of cancer and health concerns”
  • “Brief scenes of implied sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Ray Romano delivers a solid directorial debut with ‘Somewhere in Queens,’ balancing humor and heart. Laurie Metcalf shines as the matriarch, and the film offers a relatable look at family dynamics. While the plot may be familiar, the performances elevate the material.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Romano’s film captures the essence of Italian-American family life with its chaotic charm and heartwarming moments. However, the predictable storyline and occasional sitcom-like feel hold it back from being truly memorable.
• Los Angeles Times: “‘Somewhere in Queens’ is a touching dramedy that explores the complexities of family relationships and the sacrifices parents make. Romano’s direction is competent, and the performances are strong, but the film lacks originality.

Audience Reactions

The raw and authentic portrayal of family dynamics resonated with viewers.: Viewers praised the relatable characters and heartwarming story.

Laurie Metcalf’s performance was a standout, praised for her humor and depth.: Many viewers enjoyed the film’s balance of comedy and drama.

Overall Consensus: ‘Somewhere in Queens’ is a heartwarming and relatable dramedy that explores family dynamics with humor and heart. While it may not be groundbreaking, the strong performances and authentic portrayal of Italian-American life make it an enjoyable watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is Ray Romano’s first time directing a feature film.”
• “Ray Romano co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Stegemann, drawing on personal experiences to create an authentic portrayal of Italian-American family dynamics in Queens.”
• “The kitchen sign goof displaying ‘The Russo’s’ instead of ‘The Russos” illustrates a minor production oversight reflecting a subtle human element.”
• “Several reviewers favorably mentioned the on-screen chemistry between Ray Romano and Laurie Metcalf, a credit to their established careers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Somewhere in Queens?

As of October 2024, ‘Somewhere in Queens’ is available for streaming on Hulu. You may also find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Somewhere in Queens, you might like these similar films:

• Moonstruck (1987): Another film about Italian-American family life in New York, filled with humor and romance.
• Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005): Starring Ray Romano, this TV show explores similar themes of family dynamics and everyday life.
• The Big Sick (2017): Features Ray Romano in a supporting role and deals with family relationships and personal growth.
• About My Father (2023): Sebastian Maniscalco, also appearing in ‘Somewhere in Queens’, plays a character navigating family and cultural differences.

🛒 Somewhere in Queens Related Products

• Somewhere in Queens [Blu-ray]: Own the heartwarming story on Blu-ray with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Perfect for collectors and movie enthusiasts.
• Queens, NYC T-Shirt: Show your love for Queens with this stylish T-shirt. Features a classic design that captures the spirit of the borough.
• Italian Cookbook: Authentic Recipes from Queens: Bring the flavors of Queens to your kitchen with this cookbook featuring authentic Italian recipes. Perfect for recreating the family meals from the movie.
• Ray Romano: Live at Carnegie Hall [Digital Download]: Enjoy Ray Romano’s stand-up comedy special, showcasing his signature humor and wit. A must-have for fans of Romano’s comedic style.

🎧 Soundtrack

Somewhere in Queens features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Buona Sera” – performed by Louis Prima

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ray Romano on Losing His Flashlight in a Crazy Place, Somewhere in Queens & His Son Getting Married

Ever wonder what inspired ‘Somewhere in Queens’? Ray Romano spills the beans on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and trust me, his ‘flashlight’ story is hilarious but his personal insights into the movie are pure gold.

Dishes on Somewhere in Queens

Want a quick peek into the real-life inspiration behind ‘Somewhere in Queens’? Ray Romano breaks it down in under a minute, and it’s fascinating to see how much of his own life made it into the movie.

✨ Rate