The landscape of drag entertainment, once a niche subculture, has been profoundly reshaped by the phenomenon of "RuPaul’s Drag Race." What began in 2009 as a modest production, characterized by rudimentary sets and a guest list that included the less-famous Michelle Williams, has blossomed into a global entertainment juggernaut. This evolution is marked by a significant shift from its humble origins to a high-gloss spectacle that has garnered 14 Emmy Awards. The show is widely credited with propelling pageant-style drag into the mainstream consciousness, attracting A-list guest judges such as Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, and demonstrating the power of drag as a cultural force.
Despite the show’s continued presence and the burgeoning cottage industry it has fostered, some critics suggest that "RuPaul’s Drag Race" itself may be experiencing a creative lull, with viewership figures having peaked in 2016 following its 29 seasons, including various "All Stars" spin-offs. Nevertheless, the ecosystem built around the franchise remains vibrant and expanding. Former contestants like Trixie Mattel and Katya have achieved massive success with their popular podcast, while figures such as Bob the Drag Queen have embarked on global tours, even performing with musical icon Madonna. Jinkx Monsoon has found acclaim on Broadway, securing roles in critically lauded productions like "Oh, Mary!" and the long-running "Chicago." This sustained success underscores the enduring appeal and commercial viability of drag talent cultivated through the "Drag Race" platform.
The production company behind "RuPaul’s Drag Race," World of Wonder, co-founded by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, has astutely leveraged the show’s global appeal. They maintain exclusive streaming rights to the franchise’s 14 international spin-offs on their platform, Wow Presents Plus, effectively controlling a significant segment of the drag content market. This strategic control has been instrumental in the company’s ability to launch new ventures, such as the film "Stop! That! Train!", ensuring its distribution beyond the typical straight-to-streaming fate that often befalls independent productions.
A Madcap Journey with "Stop! That! Train!"
"Stop! That! Train!", directed by Adam Shankman, known for his work on "Hairspray" (2007) and "The Wedding Planner," emerges as a 90-minute testament to the genre’s comedic potential. This film is a raucous, madcap adventure that firmly deserves a place in the annals of drag comedy, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cult classics like "White Chicks" and "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." The narrative is densely packed with celebrity cameos, sharp innuendo, and a relentless barrage of visual gags that rivals the comedic density of a "30 Rock" episode.
The plot centers on two gal pals, Tess (played by Ginger Minj) and DeeDee (Jujubee), who find themselves jobless at the budget train line, Stank Rail. Driven by their aspirations to become high-end flight attendants, they seize an opportunity to work on the opulent Glamazonian Express, a luxurious rail service bound for Celebration, Florida. The film’s premise of a functional and desirable US rail network, particularly one operated by drag queens, is itself a delightful piece of fantasy, mirroring the whimsical nature of the characters and their journey.
Upon boarding the Glamazonian Express, Tess and DeeDee encounter a cast of formidable fellow attendants, including Brooke Lynn Hytes, Marcia Marcia Marcia, and Symone, who exude a palpable sense of competitive bitchiness. They must also navigate a diverse group of passengers, featuring a deluded famous actor portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, an uptight businessman played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and a scene-stealing, martini-loving passenger embodied by Missi Pyle.
National Emergency and Presidential Shenanigans
The film’s comedic tempo escalates dramatically when the Glamazonian Express’s brakes malfunction just as a monstrous super-tornado, ominously named "Stormaganza," bears down on the nation. The plucky protagonists are thrust into a national emergency, with the crisis rapidly reaching the highest echelons of government. At the heart of the governmental response is President Judy Gagwell, played with relish by RuPaul Charles. Gagwell ascended to the presidency on a platform of lightheartedness, her campaign slogan famously being "She Fun." She embodies a capricious leadership style, prone to impulsive decisions like issuing tax rebates when in an "Oprah mood" and toying with her eager aide (Matt Rogers) by feigning accidental nuclear missile launches.
President Gagwell, much like the current US president and the "fracking aficionado" who portrays her, is not presented as a paragon of moral rectitude. This is humorously illustrated when she ejects a journalist, Michelle Visage, from a press conference for posing questions Gagwell deems inconvenient. Visage’s query about bats nesting in the president’s signature beehive hairstyle provides a particularly sharp, if fictionalized, jab at political press interactions.
A Blend of Bawdy and Brilliant Humor
The humor in "Stop! That! Train!" spans a wide spectrum, from overtly bawdy jokes, including visual gags involving condoms and a rabbit vibrator, to more sophisticated, G-rated wit. A particularly memorable, albeit risqué, fantasy sequence involves DeeDee’s vivid imaginings of a romantic encounter with the train’s attractive conductor. However, some of the film’s most effective comedic moments echo the timeless charm of classic sitcoms like "I Love Lucy," demonstrating a sophisticated comedic sensibility that prioritizes clever wordplay and situational humor over gratuitous shock value.
One such instance of G-rated brilliance occurs when a young passenger boards the Glamazonian Express. The hostess, with impeccable timing, directs him to his seat "next to the beautiful redhead," only for the camera to reveal a Raggedy Ann-style doll. This moment of utter silliness, executed with precision, exemplifies the film’s ability to elicit genuine laughter through unexpected and innocent absurdity.
Performances Shine Amidst the Chaos
The ensemble cast, largely making their feature film debuts, proves to be a significant strength of "Stop! That! Train!". Jujubee delivers a standout performance as Tess, masterfully balancing slapstick comedy with moments of genuine emotional depth, particularly as Tess grapples with feelings of neglect when her friend is embraced by the more popular flight attendants. Latrice Royale also shines in a recurring role as Barbra, seamlessly transitioning between various characters including a train hostess, office worker, bartender, and valet, showcasing her remarkable versatility.
However, the undisputed grande dame of the film is RuPaul Charles. Having previously demonstrated his acting prowess in memorable cameos on "Broad City" and "The Comeback," Charles fully embraces the role of President Judy Gagwell. He attacks the character with infectious relish, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and captivating. A particularly uproarious scene, already widely circulated online, depicts Gagwell pacing the Oval Office while her assistants pile increasingly absurd items into her arms: top-secret dossiers labeled "Top Secret," "Bottom Secret," and "Soft Verse Secret," followed by a Yahtzee set, a ukulele, and an oversized bowling pin. This scene alone justifies the film’s existence and suggests a significant demand for RuPaul’s comedic talents in leading roles, perhaps even annually for Pride Month.
Navigating the Final Stretch
While "Stop! That! Train!" is largely a triumph, the film begins to feel slightly formulaic in its final act. The narrative necessitates the characters converging to resolve the runaway train crisis, and at this juncture, the writers occasionally lean too heavily on overt "Drag Race" references. The moment Tess removes her pillbox hat to reveal a shower of rose petals, a clear homage to Sasha Velour’s iconic "Rucall" performance, feels brilliantly unexpected. Conversely, President Gagwell’s pronouncement that "reading is fundamental," while a staple of drag culture, feels like a less inspired nod.
A Resounding Success for Drag Cinema
Despite these minor quibbles, "Stop! That! Train!" is unequivocally a winner. This success is perhaps not surprising, given that many recent challenges on "RuPaul’s Drag Race" have themselves evolved into mini-film productions, complete with elaborate scripts and costumes. In an era where recent LGBTQ+-themed films like "Pillion" and "Blue Film" have explored the often uncomfortable realities of queer life, "Stop! That! Train!" offers a much-needed dose of effervescent, rosy escapism. The film’s comedic genius and infectious energy make it an ideal watch for a boisterous, and particularly a gay, audience, who will undoubtedly appreciate its unapologetic embrace of drag culture and its celebratory spirit. The film’s creation and success also highlight the growing influence of drag artists beyond the competition format and their increasing presence in mainstream film and television, further solidifying drag’s status as a legitimate and influential art form.
