As the prospect of athletic scholarships becomes more likely for his basketball star son “Sticks” (Jacob Ward), Leo Russo (Ray Romano) secretly meddles in teen social dynamics to make sure his child stays happy and continues playing well. But keeping secrets from his observant wife Angela (Laurie Metcalf) and extended Italian-American family proves more difficult than expected. 

Somewhere in Queens brings Romano’s idiosyncratic comedic voice onto the big screen with ample heart and hilarity. A crowd-pleasing dramedy that isn’t scared of getting awkward, Romano’s directorial debut is a love letter to the biggest borough in New York City and flawed parents trying their best. With a killer ensemble cast featuring Tony Lo Bianco, Sadie Stanley, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Jennifer Esposito, Somewhere in Queens cements Romano as not only a comedic legend, but a writing, directing, and acting triple-threat whose wide dramatic range is still being discovered.--Cara Cusumano

Ray Romano