RuPaul Charles stars as the President of the United States in 'Stop! That! Train!', a comedic disaster movie directed by Adam Shankman. The film features a plot where two stewardesses team up with RuPaul's character to avert a train collision with a massive storm, claiming to be based on a 'true story'.
Drag Stars Take the Lead
The film, a product of the 'Drag Race universe', shines with performances from Ginger Minj and Jujubee. They play Tess and DeeDee, former employees of Stank Rail, who find themselves aboard the Glamazonian Express. Alongside RuPaul, they bring humor and charm, appealing to fans of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.
Plot and Character Dynamics
Tess and DeeDee, portrayed by Minj and Jujubee, fabricate uniforms to work on the Glamazonian Express. The train's brakes fail, and they must work with conductor Cal (Brian Jordan Alvarez) and other crew members, while the President deals with PTSD from her past. The characters navigate personal insecurities and friendship dynamics amid the chaos.
Script and Humor
Written by Christina Friel and Connor Wright, the script offers a mix of coming-of-age and disaster movie tropes. The dialogue is filled with LGBTQ+ humor, and the film references pop culture, such as President Gagwell's approval ratings dropping to 'Lea Michele in 2020' levels. The ensemble cast, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, delivers rapid-fire jokes.
Overall Reception
Despite the absurd premise, the film's playful tone and engaging performances make it accessible beyond its niche audience. RuPaul's presence as Judy Gagwell adds a layer of comedic flair, balancing melodrama and humor. The film is reminiscent of 1970s Irwin Allen disaster movies, with a cast that brings energy to even minor roles.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/stop-that-train-review-rupaul-1236772002/
