MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

By Sean Berg

The idea of family is one that has many different definitions and meanings to different people. It’s a concept that isn’t so cut-and-dry. Family is the central theme of Somewhere in Queens, a heartwarming drama/comedy about an Italian-American family living in New York and the trials of a father who loves his son perhaps too much. This is the directorial debut of Ray Romano, who also stars in the film. “I’m embarrassed to say it took me 7 years to write the script,” Romano said sheepishly, standing in front of the audience. He talked about the process and why it took so long and ended by saying, “…this is the reward of all of it.”

Romano plays Leo Russo, a middle-aged man living in Queens with his wife Angela (Laurie Metcalf) and their son Matthew “Sticks” Russo (Jacob Ward), a very shy high school senior who plays Basketball. Leo works in his family Construction business with his father, played by Tony Lo Bianco, and younger brother, Sebastian Maniscalco. Each week, Leo supports Sticks at his games. A talent scout happens to see Sticks during the season’s final game, and the idea of going to college and playing basketball becomes very possible for Sticks. However, when Sticks gets broken up with by his girlfriend before he’s accepted into college, Leo goes to great and unexpected lengths to ensure Sticks has a good life that doesn’t involve working for the family construction business.

This was a very sweet and heartwarming film. I didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by how moving and funny the film turned out to be. The script was very well-balanced, and the acting was superb by everyone. The casting director did amazing. I know very little about Italian-American families and their traditions, but this film gives the audience great insight into what that can look like. The family gathers for lunch every Sunday at the same time, a lot of curse words are thrown around, and people butt heads, but at the end of the day family remains the number one important thing.

The film did a great job of not making anyone the villain. Each character is validated in their reasons for doing what they do, and the audience understands that character and their actions. I thought that was unique. My only complaint with the film is that I felt Sticks’ arc could have been a little more fleshed out, but it works to get the film moving. This is literally a family movie (in both senses) that is heartwarming and highly enjoyable for all who see it. One would have to be a grinch in order not to enjoy this film. A strong directorial debut from Ray Romano, and I would personally say the seven years of hard work certainly paid off. I’m so thankful I got to see this in the theater with an audience.