Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great, grounded family comedy has teen sex, lots of cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Somewhere in Queens
What's the Story?
Living SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS, Leo (Ray Romano) is a devoted dad and husband whose life revolves around his large Italian American family. When his son, Sticks (Jacob Ward) -- who is living with anxiety -- is discovered by a college basketball scout, Leo becomes desperate for his boy to make the team. Will Sticks' new romance with Dani (Sadie Stanley), the wrong girl from the right side of the tracks, threaten his future? Meanwhile, Leo's brittle, no-nonsense wife, Angela (Laurie Metcalf), has kicked cancer but lives with a gripping fear of its return.
Is It Any Good?
Romano has created an engrossing, funny, entertaining portrait of an American family. His character, Leo, is only a few degrees away from his character on his hit TV series Everybody Loves Raymond -- a lovable schlub who cares deeply about his family but makes cringeworthy choices. Still, Leo's desperation to help his son is one that many parents will be able to relate to: He's sure that if he can just get his son to college, the anxiety -- and Sticks' future -- will take care of themselves, but the romance seems to be threatening it all. Some might look at this comedy as Romano's My Big Fat Italian Wedding, but that doesn't reduce its honesty, impact, or humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Somewhere in Queens depicts the intensity of first love. How do our romantic relationships -- even (if not especially) the failed ones -- influence the person we become?
Romano says he made the film to realistically portray a New York Italian American family. How do the Russos compare to Italian American families in other movies and TV shows you've seen? Why is authentic representation important?
How does the film portray what it's like to suffer from anxiety? Why is it important to depict people living with mental health issues in a positive and realistic light?
How does Somewhere in Queens highlight the fact that even those who love us the most and want the best for us might have their own motivations for the advice they give?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 21, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : June 6, 2023
- Cast : Ray Romano , Laurie Metcalf , Sadie Stanley
- Director : Ray Romano
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Lionsgate , Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual material
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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