Stop That Train Review Stunning visuals flawed story

The world of drag has built an empire, and recently, the spotlight has turned to the glossy, train-themed comedy Stop! That! Train!. Hailing from the orbit of RuPaul’s Drag Race, this new entry feels like a victory lap for the franchise, bringing a dose of all-drag hilarity to the big screen.

However, while the film certainly delivers an amiable watch, it struggles to truly live up to the expectations of the drag dynasty it purports to represent. Despite featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Drag Race heavyweights Ginger Minj and Jujubee playing the lowly stewardesses Tess and DeeDee, the narrative ultimately feels thin, relying too heavily on cameos rather than the innate talent of the drag stars.

The ingredients for a gay old-time classic are certainly present, with moments of genuine zing and memorable interactions, such as inspired lines from Lea Michele and great recurring bits involving Latrice Royale. Yet, the story doesn’t sustain itself over its 90 minutes. The film seems to prioritize the spectacle of drag over solid storytelling.

The narrative relies heavily on celebrity cameos, featuring stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. This choice suggests a lack of trust in the drag stars to carry the emotional weight of the production. Drag, as an absurdist artform, deserves a vehicle that reflects its inherent flair and talent, and this film feels too by-the-book for the sheer level of crossdressing genius involved.

When RuPaul, stepping into the role of the universe’s POTUS in the third act, does inject a palpable dose of energy. It’s at that moment one realizes that the genuine fun lies not in the tepid script from Christina Friel and Connor Wright, but in the energy of the queens themselves.

Unfortunately, this positive energy is ultimately marred by some egregious creative decisions. The film’s use of artificial intelligence to flesh out exterior shots of the train is controversial and hard to forgive. Furthermore, the casting of Brian Jordan Alvarez, who had prior sexual assault allegations before production began, as DeeDee’s love interest only sours an otherwise silly time at the movies.

Ultimately, while Stop! That! Train! is an amiable watch, it leaves the viewer with the lingering feeling that RuPaul and her dynasty deserved a sharper, sturdier vehicle than this. It is a reminder that while the world of drag is vibrant and deserves to be celebrated, it also demands creative excellence.