Stop! That Train! Review: A Wild Ride Through the Drag Race Universe
In the world of film, where originality is a precious commodity, comes a delightful surprise in the form of 'Stop! That! Train!', a movie that takes us on a wild and whimsical journey through the Drag Race universe. This film, a cheeky and charming action comedy, is a delightful spoof that will leave you laughing and wondering how something so entertaining could have been overlooked.
The story unfolds with Ginger Minj and Jujubee playing Tess and DeeDee, two stewardesses who find themselves in a unique predicament. With their beloved train company, Stank Rail, out of business, they are thrown into a chaotic adventure when they stumble upon a faulty train, the Glamazonian Express, on the brink of disaster. The film's premise, a 'true story' involving a once-in-a-century weather event and a train on a collision course, is a fascinating blend of reality and fantasy, making it a truly unique cinematic experience.
What makes this film particularly captivating is its ability to seamlessly blend humor and heart. The performances by Minj and Jujubee are a delight, with Minj's cornpone enthusiasm and Jujubee's naïvete creating a dynamic duo that is both endearing and hilarious. The script, written by Christina Friel and Connor Wright, is a pastiche of coming-of-age and disaster movie cliches, but it is executed with such self-awareness and briskness that it never feels tedious. The wordplay and references are scalpel-precise, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this film is its queer-friendly lexicon, which is a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood fare. The LGBTQ+ context adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a disaster movie spoof. It is a celebration of the Drag Race universe and its superstars, with the cast trading on or tweaking the personas for which they are known on stage. This adds a layer of familiarity and comfort for fans of the show, while also inviting a broader audience to join the ride.
The film's production values are impressive, with a skilled balance between serving its designated audience and inviting a much broader one along for the ride. The use of boilerplate thriller dialogue within an LGBTQ+ context is a clever device that adds to the film's charm and humor. The ensemble cast, including RuPaul, Brian Jordan Alvarez, and Brooke Lynn Hytes, delivers their lines with gusto, making every scene a delight to watch.
In my opinion, 'Stop! That! Train!' is a must-watch for fans of the Drag Race universe and LGBTQ+ cinema. It is a wild and whimsical ride that will leave you laughing and wondering how something so entertaining could have been overlooked. The film's ability to blend humor and heart, along with its queer-friendly lexicon, makes it a truly unique and engaging cinematic experience. So, if you're looking for a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, 'Stop! That! Train!' is the perfect choice. Personally, I think it is a masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences of all backgrounds and tastes.
