Review of How to Go Out on a Date in Queens (2006) by Darby W — 20 Jul 2011

This is a wonderful movie to watch on a date! Directed and produced by Michelle Danner (the renowned acting coach at Edgemar who also stars in this as a sex-crazed eccentric), How to Go out on a Date in Queens perfectly blends comedy, romance, drama and features an interesting ensemble of character actors.

Interestingly, Jason Alexander has the least comedic role out of the cast as a gambler in trouble for owing money. He is always great though in everything he does. Christine Dunford is hilarious as his lover who will do anything to help him out and be with him.

Ron Perlman has a small role as the gambler hunting down Jason Alexander's character. Stan (played by Brian Drillinger) narrates the beginning of the film and sets the tone with his New Yorker accent as the dating expert with very specific rules.

Right after the narration, he is seen advising his widowed friend, Artie (played by the handsome Rob Estes), on what to do on a date since he hasn't dated for many years. Artie is a nice blue collar worker who is broken-hearted over his dead wife.

He isn't familiar with the game playing and bullshitting of the dating world that Stan encourages. Stan sets him up on a date with Laura (Michelle Danner) while on a double-date with his girlfriend (played by the adorable Kimberly Williams-Paisley).

Hilarity then ensues on this "worst date ever" while other side stories are interspersed throughout. Michelle Danner is a riot in this! I couldn't stop laughing when she hits on Artie! I loved the music, the story and the acting.

How to Go out on a Date in Queens is quite a charming little film.