Main Cast: Kevin Bacon, Linda Fiorentino, John Malkovich, Joe Mantegna, Ken Olin, Tony Spiridakis, Jamie Lee Curtis
Release Year: 1991
Country: US
Run Time: 116 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Ray (Ken Olin) is a young adult and has a girlfriend whom he lives with quite happily. However, the agreed-upon date of their marriage is coming up, and he's not quite sure he wants to make that kind of commitment. His buddies Dennis, Elliot, and Vinny have their own commitment problems. Dennis (Kevin Bacon) isn't sure he wants to stay away from his buddies long enough to get his music career going in Hollywood; Elliot (John Malkovich) knows that he's homosexual but thinks that being gay means fitting all sorts of ugly stereotypes -- stereotypes he is determined to avoid at all costs; and Vinny (Tony Spiridakis) commits himself all too frequently and often to the nearest desirable female. Meanwhile, cousin Al (Joe Mantegna) is in trouble with his wife, and only the intervention of a well-intentioned psychotic (Jamie Lee Curtis) can put him back on the right track. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
Review
At one point in Queens Logic, Kevin Bacon refers to that "rude, uncivilized New York thing" that most of the characters share. Two hours of that is pretty much what viewers can expect from Steve Rash's film, and their ability to tolerate such intensely regional traits and dialects may determine how effective they find it. Then again, it may not -- the Queens setting is not just an incidental, environmental detail, but a central point of thematic contention that resonates more and more as the film moves forward, breaking down viewers' prejudices along the way. Queens Logic is structured around the impending wedding of Patty (Chloe Webb) and Ray (Ken Olin), whose cold feet spring from the fact that he aspires to be an important artist -- but can't envision a blue-collar Queens girl on his arm when he's conquering the art world. Also, Elliot (John Malkovich) -- a homosexual who can't relate to other gays -- rejects a potential suitor based on the guy's condescending attitude toward Elliot's friends, who resemble clichéd movie characters, according to the guy. Some viewers will have noticed themselves aligning with this air of superiority, so Elliot's indignation may prompt them to reevaluate their own snobbery toward these characters -- known for their rawness and bluntness, but also for a refreshing lack of pretense. The script by Tony Spiridakis (who also appears in a supporting role) has done such a good job developing the characters, they exceed Hollywood's traditionally uncharitable characterization of outer-borough New Yorkers. A joyous wedding-eve party consumes the film's second half, serving as a microcosm for the issues that need resolving, as well as a darn fun time. The endearing conviviality of the friends is even occasionally reminiscent of Barry Levinson's Diner. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
Michael Okowita - Art Director, Patricia Churchill - Associate Producer, Tony Spiridakis - Associate Producer, Linda M. Bass - Costume Designer, Steve Rash - Director, Patrick Kennedy - Editor, Stuart Benjamin - Executive Producer, Taylor Hackford - Executive Producer, Joe Jackson - Composer (Music Score), Gary Goetzman - Musical Direction/Supervision, Sharon Boyle - Musical Direction/Supervision, Patricia Churchill - Production Designer, Edward Pisoni - Production Designer, Amir Mokri - Cinematographer, Stuart Oken - Producer, Russ Smith - Producer, Linda M. Bass - Set Designer, Marcie Dale - Set Designer, Wilfred Caban - Special Effects, Frank Ferrara - Stunts, Tony Spiridakis - Screenwriter, Kay Rose - Supervising Sound Editor, Joseph Savino - Short Story Author
The film was released on DVD twice. Once in 1999 under the Pioneer label, the second time in 2002 under the Platinum Disc label, and the third time that same year by Artisan Home Entertainment. The DVD contains very little, just the film and its theatrical trailer.[1]
Although released theatrically in the US, Queens Logic was released direct-to-video in the UK.
