Movieline

Exporting Raymond Trailer Proves That Russians Don't Find Ray Romano Funny

If you've been wondering what the people of Russia would think of Everybody Loves Raymond now -- five years after the family sitcom wrapped production -- you're in luck. A new documentary called Exporting Raymond answers just that question as it follows creator Phil Rosenthal to Russia, where he tries to adapt a local version of the series amidst wild dogs, enema balloon musicians and kidnapping threats. Cue: laugh track!

The trailer shows Rosenthal -- who, bizarrely, has the same mannerisms and speech patterns as Ray Romano -- as he attempts to adapt his hit series for Russian viewers and TV executives who do not find Rosenthal the least bit funny... and will humorlessly tell him so over a bowl of Shchi. Surprisingly (for someone who never was fond of Everybody Loves Raymond), Exporting Raymond looks entertaining, even if there appears to be no surprise Raymond cast reunion in Russia. Doris Roberts will just have to keep her Ushanka in storage for now.

VERDICT: Yes, I would pay to see this "fish out of water and into vodka" story.