SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS (Directed and co-written by Ray Romano) was a feast of acting by Laurie Metcalf, Ray Romano, Jennifer Esposito and Sebastion Maniscalpo.
Romano possesses a sad eyed handsome Bogart mystique and you can’t help but love him, hence EveryBOGEY Loves Raymond. My hope is for him to receive a few award nominations. He’s not quite a “winner” yet, but he’s definitely got possibilities.
Ditto Laurie Metcalf. I’ve seen her live at Lincoln Center in a play with Jeff Goldblum. This woman is a tour de force. Here, I teared up during both viewings* over the fear of returning cancer scene. Again, please give her a best supporting actress nomination.
Quite the coincidence that both these fine actors started out in television comedies. Bravo for how far they’ve ascended.
The two teens, Sadie Stanley and Jacob Ward, sell the opposites attract core of the film.
And here’s where I say, “Check the tape!” meaning read my previous blog, as I saw this ahead of most at the Phoenix Film Festival*. And my initial review contained the exact same criticism as the NY Times critic Glenn Kenny. Here’s what i said: “The only problem is the lack of artistic cinematography and half way decent score.” Glenn called it wet noodle music and I concur.
In closing, co-written by Ray and Mark Stegemann, the story and acting though are both half court shots (since basketball plays a large roll in this film) all day long!
