Intro: RuPaul has been promoting this movie for so long that it felt like I'd been waiting a lifetime to finally get the chance to see it at the cinema! Finally, at the end of the summer, the Lighthouse Cinema scheduled a screening, and off we went to see the first "Drag Race" movie ever to grace the big screen.
Film 2512: "Stop! That! Train!" (2026), directed by Adam Shankman
Watched: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Marysia, Jane
Thoughts: I'm well aware this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I have to admit I had a great time.
"Stop! That! Train!" is obviously intended to be silly, so there's no surprise when I say this movie is bonkers: it's a disaster movie featuring a storm named "Stormaganza" that tells the story of two train stewardesses who, when their train line, the Stank Rail, is discontinued, sneak onto the Glamazonian Express and eventually create chaos and save the day. And who's RuPaul playing? President Judy Gagwell, who used to work in the rail force herself and has a crazy and wild secret: (*SPOILER*) she killed a child!
I'm quite pleased that they went all in on the absurdity and comedy. Some of the jokes really land, while others aren't as funny, but overall, this movie is way better than I expected. Being a huge fan of the show, I'm quite familiar with the kind of humour "RuPaul's Drag Race" goes for, and I wasn't sure what to expect, considering how bad some of the sketches, short videos, and commercials the queens have to prepare for the main challenges on the show can be. Here, though, the quality of the end product is on a whole different level -- from the production value to the image quality -- and the story doesn't require you to be familiar with the show to follow what's going on. For as absurd as it is, this film is genuinely funny.
In particular, I was surprised by Ginger Minj's and Jujubee's performances: they're so good! Kudos to them. The acting is so professional, their chemistry is undeniable, and I was genuinely surprised to realise how much of the story relies solely on them. What an amazing way to showcase their talent! Also, although I never thought RuPaul was a particularly great actor, I appreciated how he played along here and fully committed to his role.
All in all, I had a really fun time watching "Stop! That! Train!": it's a silly little movie that aims to entertain you and make you laugh. It's a little bit scandalous and politically incorrect, but in a wink-wink kind of way that somehow gets away with it. The cast is spectacular, and the gays will love it. I'm so happy all these queens from the show got this opportunity, and although this movie didn't really make a splash at the box office, I hope that doesn't mean we won't get more projects like this on the big screen. This is all I had to say. Now:
Cast: RuPaul Charles, Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Monét X Change, Symone, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicole Richie, Raven-Symoné, Michelle Visage, Chris Parnell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Charo, Joel McHale, Rachel Bloom, Daniel Franzese, Riki Lindhome, Missi Pyle, Jerry O'Connell, June Diane Raphael, Lisa Rinna, Matt Rogers, Angeria Paris VanMicheals.
Box Office: $4.5 million
Worth a watch?: I had a blast. I recognise that this movie isn't for everyone because of its themes and language, but here's what I can say: it's not necessarily just for "Drag Race" fans. There are a few callbacks to the show, but nothing major. If I had to describe it in a nutshell, I'd say it's a gay feast for the eyes. It's funny, outrageous, full of cameos, and it doesn't take itself too seriously (or at all). I'd say give it a go: support queer media, support the queens, support silly little comedies.
Awards: /
Key word: Stormaganza.
Trailer
#HollywoodCiak
Bengi
Watched: At the movies
Language: English
Watched with: Marysia, Jane
Thoughts: I'm well aware this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I have to admit I had a great time.
"Stop! That! Train!" is obviously intended to be silly, so there's no surprise when I say this movie is bonkers: it's a disaster movie featuring a storm named "Stormaganza" that tells the story of two train stewardesses who, when their train line, the Stank Rail, is discontinued, sneak onto the Glamazonian Express and eventually create chaos and save the day. And who's RuPaul playing? President Judy Gagwell, who used to work in the rail force herself and has a crazy and wild secret: (*SPOILER*) she killed a child!
I'm quite pleased that they went all in on the absurdity and comedy. Some of the jokes really land, while others aren't as funny, but overall, this movie is way better than I expected. Being a huge fan of the show, I'm quite familiar with the kind of humour "RuPaul's Drag Race" goes for, and I wasn't sure what to expect, considering how bad some of the sketches, short videos, and commercials the queens have to prepare for the main challenges on the show can be. Here, though, the quality of the end product is on a whole different level -- from the production value to the image quality -- and the story doesn't require you to be familiar with the show to follow what's going on. For as absurd as it is, this film is genuinely funny.
In particular, I was surprised by Ginger Minj's and Jujubee's performances: they're so good! Kudos to them. The acting is so professional, their chemistry is undeniable, and I was genuinely surprised to realise how much of the story relies solely on them. What an amazing way to showcase their talent! Also, although I never thought RuPaul was a particularly great actor, I appreciated how he played along here and fully committed to his role.
All in all, I had a really fun time watching "Stop! That! Train!": it's a silly little movie that aims to entertain you and make you laugh. It's a little bit scandalous and politically incorrect, but in a wink-wink kind of way that somehow gets away with it. The cast is spectacular, and the gays will love it. I'm so happy all these queens from the show got this opportunity, and although this movie didn't really make a splash at the box office, I hope that doesn't mean we won't get more projects like this on the big screen. This is all I had to say. Now:
Cast: RuPaul Charles, Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Monét X Change, Symone, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicole Richie, Raven-Symoné, Michelle Visage, Chris Parnell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Charo, Joel McHale, Rachel Bloom, Daniel Franzese, Riki Lindhome, Missi Pyle, Jerry O'Connell, June Diane Raphael, Lisa Rinna, Matt Rogers, Angeria Paris VanMicheals.
Box Office: $4.5 million
Worth a watch?: I had a blast. I recognise that this movie isn't for everyone because of its themes and language, but here's what I can say: it's not necessarily just for "Drag Race" fans. There are a few callbacks to the show, but nothing major. If I had to describe it in a nutshell, I'd say it's a gay feast for the eyes. It's funny, outrageous, full of cameos, and it doesn't take itself too seriously (or at all). I'd say give it a go: support queer media, support the queens, support silly little comedies.
Awards: /
Key word: Stormaganza.
Trailer
#HollywoodCiak
Bengi
