Somewhere in Queens
Roadside Attractions | Release Date: April 21, 2023 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
61
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Critic Reviews
Positive:
7
Mixed:
9
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
VarietyMichael NordineApr 5, 2023
Somewhere in Queens is a low-stakes slice of life for much of its runtime, with most of the actual conflict stemming from a questionable decision Leo makes to ensure his son’s success. That doesn’t necessarily make it feel slight, however, as the film is such an affectionate love letter to the Italian American families who populate the eponymous borough that you don’t mind simply sharing the dinner table with them. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenApr 5, 2023
As its title suggests, the movie embraces generic types, but smart writing, unforced direction and a superb cast give the sentimental-but-not-gushy comic drama the messy specifics and narrative friction to lift it well beyond been-there-done-that. Read full review
75
Entertainment WeeklyMaureen Lee LenkerApr 21, 2023
It's quiet and charming and has some beautiful, if also familiar things to say about fathers and sons, and the question of legacy. But it's not breaking any new or revelatory ground. Read full review
75
ColliderEmily BernardApr 20, 2023
It’s a film that doesn’t feel the pressure of reminding the audience that it’s a comedy, which makes the story and the dysfunctional—but very loving—family that much more endearing and authentic to real life. Read full review
75
Washington PostMichael O'SullivanApr 18, 2023
The love language of the Russo family is shouting — one of several cliches deployed here — but Romano and his co-writer, Mark Stegemann, deftly deflate and dodge most other stereotypes, creating a funny and touching father-and-son tale about aspiration and finding your own path. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperApr 18, 2023
Beyond the often hilarious dialogue and some slapstick humor, when Somewhere in Queens gets into serious territory, including Leo possibly having a fling with an attractive widow (Jennifer Esposito), the material is handled deftly and with intelligence and care. Read full review
67
IndieWireDavid EhrlichMar 31, 2023
Liberated from the bumper lanes that are built into the sitcom format — from the oppressiveness of canned laughter, throwaway B-plots, and the steady drumbeat of commercial breaks — Romano’s latest semi-autobiographical charmer is free to tell a more nuanced story within his favorite milieu, and it often does so with enough grace and sensitivity to suggest that Romano might be even better-suited to the big screen than he was to network broadcasts. Read full review
60
Screen RantNadir SamaraApr 28, 2023
Somewhere in Queens is ultimately a well-made family drama with laughs sparsely placed throughout. The cast is crushing it and the script is as gritty as it is sweet. Romano’s direction works well, and every department is on the same page. Read full review
60
Los Angeles TimesGary GoldsteinApr 20, 2023
Somewhere in “Queens” lies a stronger, more unique and inspiring story about family, culture and the place we call home. It’s too bad Romano didn’t fully find it. Read full review
60
Screen DailyTim GriersonApr 5, 2023
The film takes commendable tonal chances, but too easily succumbs to easy jokes and unconvincing plot twists. Read full review
58
The PlaylistJason BaileyMar 31, 2023
You can see the conflicts and dramatic beats coming from a mile away, and the corniness of the ending is absolutely immeasurable. It’s an inoffensive and even likable picture, but not a particularly compelling one. Read full review
50
RogerEbert.comMatt Zoller SeitzApr 21, 2023
There's a good movie in Romano the feature filmmaker, but this isn't it. Read full review
50
Movie NationRoger MooreApr 21, 2023
All things considered, Ray Romano’s Somewhere in Queens is a pretty watchable dramedy despite all the “lows” that hang over it. It’s low-heat and downbeat, with low stakes and low ambition. The situations are low on originality and the jokes are strictly low-hanging fruit. Read full review
50
The New York TimesGlenn KennyApr 20, 2023
Here, Romano sticks to the outer-borough Italian American milieu of his series. The results are mixed. Read full review
50
Austin ChronicleJosh KupeckiApr 19, 2023
Competent and unassuming, mildly problematic but ultimately harmless, Somewhere in Queens is alloyed family sitcom nostalgia sourced from stronger materials. Read full review
50
Slant MagazineChris BarsantiApr 18, 2023
Many of the character actors occasionally elevate the film above some of the more clichéd family humor. Read full review
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