It's unusual these days to find a family comedy that isn't overloaded with over-the-top antics, snarky children, or cloying sweetness, yet this first film from Ray Romano—who wrote and directed as well as stars—brings some much-needed energy back to the form. The story centers on a New York construction worker (Romano) who tries to assist his introverted but talented 18-year-old son (Jacob Ward) in securing a college basketball scholarship, hoping to prevent him from facing a future that seems destined to mirror his own. Despite his sincere and well-meaning attempts, he inadvertently creates more problems than solutions, some of which put considerable stress on his close Italian family. The final product is an enjoyable film, avoiding excessive sentimentality, reminiscent of the kinds of comedies you simply don’t see anymore. It's full of funny lines delivered thanks to a clever script and brought to life with brisk direction, well-timed editing, and solid performances, particularly Laurie Metcalf’s noteworthy portrayal of the basketball player’s mother. The film also offers one of the best portrayals of New York Italian family dynamics since "Moonstruck" (1987), boisterous without relying on tired clichés. While a few plot points could have been trimmed or reduced, overall “Somewhere in Queens” provides a pleasant and amusing experience with several surprising developments that keep things interesting. It didn't get much attention during its brief run in theaters earlier this year, but it’s now accessible for online viewing and is more rewarding than a large plate of pasta. Abbondanza!

Source on TMDB