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The Summer's Most Anticipated Drag ComedyStop! That! Train! represents a significant crossover moment for RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, bringing the world of drag comedy to mainstream audiences with a feature film that doesn't rely on prior knowledge of the reality show. The disaster-comedy, set in a parallel America where railways dominate transportation and RuPaul serves as President, combines rapid-fire humor with an all-star cast of drag performers.A New Approach to Drag ComedyThe film follows Tess (Ginger Minj) and DeeDee (Jujubee), who become stewardesses on luxury train line Glamazonian after being laid off from Stank Rail. The movie blends natural disasters, presidential politics, musical numbers, paranormal activity, and even a cameo from Sarah Michelle Gellar. Director Adam Shankman, who previously guest judged on Drag Race, was clear about his vision: creating a film for everyone, not just Drag Race fans.Mainstream Appeal Beyond the FranchiseDespite Drag Race's mainstream popularity and award recognition, Stop! That! Train! marks a deliberate effort to expand the franchise's reach. Shankman compared the film to Saturday Night Live spinoffs, stating they exist as their own entity while acknowledging their roots. The movie draws inspiration from classic satires like The Naked Gun, Scary Movie, and Airplane!, where conventional logic takes a backseat to sustained world-building and rapid-fire jokes.Production Insights from the StarsStars Jujubee and Ginger Minj described the press tour as mimicking the whirlwind experience of making the film. Despite the demanding schedule, they maintained high energy and enthusiasm. The film's incredibly busy screenplay features an astonishing rate of gags per minute, with extended jokes like Latrice Royale taking on every job in America and the call-and-response humor of "give it to me straight/now give it to me gay." Even when not all punchlines land, the constantly zipping dialogue ensures the next big laugh is never far away.The Future of Drag in CinemaStop! That! Train! signals a growing acceptance of drag culture in mainstream entertainment. By featuring RuPaul as President and surrounding him with a cast of recognizable drag queens, the film normalizes drag performance while still celebrating its unique artistry. The movie's success could pave the way for more drag-centered productions that balance niche appeal with universal humor, potentially expanding the audience for drag performances beyond their traditional fanbase.

The LeadFrom its humble beginnings with cheap plywood sets in 2009, RuPaul's Drag Race has evolved into a high-gloss spectacle with 14 Emmy awards and mainstream recognition. Now, the drag empire expands to the big screen with 'Stop! That! Train!', a 90-minute madcap comedy that brings the zany energy of the hit show to theaters nationwide.The Film's Zany PremiseWhen gal pals Tess (Ginger Minj) and DeeDee (Jujubee) are laid off from their jobs at the budget train line Stank Rail, they follow their dreams of becoming high-end attendants on the ultra-luxe Glamazonian Express. Their journey takes them to Celebration, Florida, where they must face bitchy coworkers and win over a motley crew of passengers including a deluded famous actor (Sarah Michelle Gellar), an uptight businessman (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), and a scene-stealing drunk woman (Missi Pyle). When the train's brakes fail just as a super-tornado named Stormaganza approaches, the plucky friends must find a way to stop that train.RuPaul's Presidential PerformanceThe true grande dame of the film is RuPaul himself, who tears into the role of President Judy Gagwell with relish. Gagwell, who ran on a platform of being a good time (campaign slogan: "She Fun"), is portrayed as an impulsive leader who issues tax rebates when in an "Oprah mood" and teases her aides by pretending to accidentally trigger nuclear missile strikes. In one uproarious scene, Gagwell walks laps of the Oval Office as assistants pile increasingly absurd items into her arms: top-secret dossiers, a Yahtzee set, a ukulele, and an oversized bowling pin.Drag Race Queens ShineThe queens, mostly making their debut film roles, prove themselves born performers. A highlight is Jujubee as Tess, who seamlessly transitions between slapstick gags and more touching moments as she feels neglected after her friend is adopted by the popular girls. Latrice Royale shines as Barbra, who pops up in a recurring bit as a train hostess, office worker, bartender, and valet. The ensemble cast also features Brooke Lynn Hytes, Marcia Marcia Marcia, and Symone as the other bitchy attendants, each bringing their unique drag personas to the screen.The Impact of Drag Comedy'Stop! That! Train!' deserves a spot in drag comedy herstory alongside classics like White Chicks and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The film showcases how drag has evolved from niche entertainment to mainstream cultural phenomenon, with visual gags, sharp innuendos, and celebrity cameos that appeal to both drag enthusiasts and general audiences alike. While the humor can be bawdy, with visual gags including Trojans and a rabbit vibrator on the bar cart, some of the most winning jokes are G-rated, demonstrating the skill of the writing team.The Future of Drag on ScreenWith 'Stop! That! Train!', RuPaul and World of Wonder have created a template for future drag-centered films that balance camp humor with genuine heart. Given the film's success and the growing popularity of drag culture, we can expect to see more drag queens transitioning from reality TV to the big screen. The review even suggests that audiences would "pay good money to see [RuPaul] helm a Pride Month movie every year," indicating a bright future for drag comedy in mainstream cinema.