Stop! That! Train! is the best kind of silly film |
Stop! That! Train! is a very silly film – in the best possible way. It’s a disaster-action movie parody in the vein of The Naked Gun (1988), Hot Shots! (1991) and Airplane! (1980). In fact, Stop! That! Train!’s relationship to the latter is a little bit like a drag queen lip synching to their favourite diva’s famous belter: there’s space for interpretation, but the lyrics and the voice are pretty much set in stone.
Consequently, quite a few gags, not to mention the main narrative thrust of the plucky underdogs saving the day, are virtually lifted (with updates and variations) from Airplane! But as RuPaul Charles, the undisputed ruler of the Drag Race universe from which Stop! That! Train! has emerged, once wisely advised the Drag Race queens lip synching for the crown: “Good luck, and don’t fuck it up!”
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This very sensible piece of advice couldn’t ring truer for Tess and DeeDee (played by drag queens Ginger Minj and Jujubee), two spirited train stewardesses working for the decidedly downmarket Stank Rail. When the duo spots an opportunity to better themselves and wangle their way........