In the realm of cinematic escapism, where reality often takes a backseat to the spectacle, 'Stop! That! Train!' emerges as a delightful yet peculiar addition to the disaster movie genre. This film, a product of the 'Drag Race' universe, takes us on a journey through the lives of two stewardesses, Tess and DeeDee, who find themselves in the unenviable position of trying to stop a train from crashing into a once-in-a-century weather event. What makes this movie particularly intriguing is its attempt to blend the absurdity of a disaster movie with the campy humor of drag culture, creating a unique viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
One of the most striking aspects of 'Stop! That! Train!' is its ability to seamlessly weave together elements of coming-of-age and disaster movie cliches. The characters, Tess and DeeDee, are portrayed as button-cute, with Ginger Minj and Jujubee delivering performances that strike a perfect balance between cornpone enthusiasm and naïvete. The script, written by Christina Friel and Connor Wright, is a pastiche of familiar tropes, but it is executed with such briskness and self-awareness that it never feels tedious. The ensemble cast, including RuPaul as the President Judy Gagwell, trades on or tweaks the personas for which they are known on stage, making it a treat for fans of 'Drag Race' and its superstars.
What makes 'Stop! That! Train!' truly fascinating is its use of LGBTQ+ lexicon and its ability to appeal to a broad audience. The film's queer-friendly language, much of which has already infiltrated social media, adds a layer of authenticity to the story. However, it is the film's balance between serving its designated audience and inviting a much broader one along for the ride that makes it a standout. The movie's ability to strike a skillful balance between burlesque realness and accessibility is what makes it a must-watch for anyone looking for a good time.
In my opinion, 'Stop! That! Train!' is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to transport us to a different world, even if it is a world filled with disaster and drag. It is a film that invites us to reflect on the absurdity of life and the importance of friendship, all while providing a much-needed escape from reality. So, if you're looking for a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, 'Stop! That! Train!' is definitely worth a watch.
