Coming out of the same studio that gave us RuPaul's Drag Race, and stacked with a whole crew of former contestants, Stop! That! Train! plays like RuPaul basically taking a bow for the entire franchise she's built. It's not really a gay film in the traditional sense, but with so many drag stars from Ru's shows popping up alongside a few cameos from well known out gay actors, I figured it earns a spot on this blog anyway. The whole thing is completely over the top, packed with GenZ slang, loud flashy visuals, and humor that's constantly winking at you knowing how ridiculous it is. Going in you'd assume it's meant to be a laugh riot, and a lot of critics online seem to be eating it up, but I just couldn't get into it at all. I've never really been someone who vibes with campy silly stuff like this, so honestly my reaction doesn't surprise me one bit. The setup follows Tess and DeeDee, two low level stewardesses who sneak onto the fancy Glamazonian E...
This film was short and touching. I watched it with my boyfriend and he was really touched by it. The film reminded me of another film that I recently saw in terms of a guy trying to mend relations with the mom of his estranged lover. Cal is an upcoming writer in New York who falls in love with Andre, an aspiring actor. Andre's mother knowing everything still fails to acknowledge that Andre is gay. When she visits to NY from Texas, Andre has to go for an audition forcing her to spend sometime with Cal. She has a hard time dealing with her son's relationship and lifestyle, despite Cal's efforts to become her friend. Andre's grandmother on the other hand is more accepting but her daughter is intransigent in her disapproval. Andre finally falls prey to Aids which further creates rift between Cal and Andre. It kills Cal to see that Andre's mother still would not acknowledge him and maybe blame him for what happened. After the funeral, an emotional outburst from Cal forces Andre's mother to finally look and accept that her son was different and she needs to appreciate the love he shared.
Decent acting by lead cast, the film focussed very much on its theme. There were no unnecessary side plots. Cal's desperation was very evident in trying to make Andre's mother accept him as well as her own son for what he is. Unfortunately by the time it happens, it is too late.
Heart touching and a warm film. (5.5/10)
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