Joey Magidson
When you watch Somewhere in Queens, it’s hard not to see Ray Romano as a natural filmmaker. Directing a script that he co-wrote with Mark Stegemann, he brought gentle humor, a lived in feel, and true authenticity to a low-key story. I loved it. So, when recently given an opportunity to speak to them both, I was an eager beaver. Luckily, what we ended up recording was more than I ever could have hoped for. Today, you get to enjoy a casual and free-wheeling conversation with the pair.
In my review out of the Tribeca Film Festival (here), I praised Romano and Stegemann like so:
Ray Romano has made a career out of being exasperated by an over-bearing family. So, it would have been easy for Somewhere in Queens to play like a slightly more adult version of an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. Luckily, that’s not what Romano has on his mind, with the result being a very accomplished and lived in filmmaking debut. Comedy, drama, and family dynamics merge into something that consistently entertains, while never losing sight of its goals. Emerging as one of the highlights of the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival so far, Somewhere in Queens is a winner. If Romano wants to have a future behind the camera on the big screen, he’s going to get more opportunities, mark my words.
Somewhere in Queens has a number of things to say about family, middle age, and first love, which is a lot to pull off, but Romano has a deft touch. Aside from the film running a little bit too long and inevitably leading to conflicts that could have been avoided, there’s very little to complain about. It’s just a real good movie, plain and simple.
Making his filmmaking debut by co-writing with Mark Stegemann and directing, Romano really scores here. His direction is smooth, if simple, while the screenplay is a true winner. Not only is it really funny, it’s warm and real, despite the plot going into overdrive at times. You buy every single dynamic of this family, as well as the Dani and Sticks relationship. The script, alongside the performances, truly stand out. Plus, Romano ends Somewhere in Queens on an incredibly funny line from Metcalf, and that just sends you out on a great note.
Below, you can see my chat with Romano and Stegemann. There are some wonderful digressions here, as we just have a conversation (go figure, Ray worked at a movie theater my grandfather was once the projectionist at). Of course, we talk about Somewhere in Queens plenty, since I think it’s a bit of a hidden gem this year. Hopefully, this will inspire you to check it out, since it’s a terrific little film. Romano and Stegemann are delights, which is reflected in our discussion. I’m sure you’ll all enjoy, but I know we did…
Here now is my interview with Somewhere in Queens filmmakers Ray Romano and Mark Stegemann. Enjoy:
Somewhere in Queens is available to rent and stream now!
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