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Stop! That! Train!

By Golu
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...
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A Stormy Night

By Golu
Watching a black and white film made in 2020 already gives a very retro and warm feeling. And when the setup includes the fact that there is a sever storm outside, it makes it spooky as well. Thankfully, this film was neither spooky nor retro. It's a very modern story of 2 strangers meeting on an evening and what happens there after. The setting is just a matter of fact.

There is a big storm hitting New York and all flights are cancelled. Spanish documentary film maker Marcos was on his way back to Spain but now stranded. Thankfully one of his friends lets him stay in the city in her room since she is out working and lets her room mate Alan know about it. Marcos and Alan are both gay. Alan welcomes Marcos and makes him comfortable. Alan has been working through the weekend on a project he needs to finish, while it turns out that the documentary that Marcos was working on was to do with sexuality, sexual identity and anything related to sex featuring his ex-boyfriend. On an impulse Alan kisses Marcos but keep profusely apologizing. We find later this is because Alan has been in a relationship for 2 years now. This is where the discussions between 2 men begin on everything about being and a gay men and their relationships. Rest of the film is all about this: questioning each other’s understanding of life, happiness and love.

Alan believes in monogamy and love whereas Marcos thinks it's fake. They both share stories on the idea behind their beliefs. Of course, neither is right or wrong. But it gives an opportunity for two complete strangers to share ideas and thoughts. We find that Marcos is not even out to his family, his ex hasn't seen the film. Turns out Alan's boyfriend is also not out to his family. Alan is an idealist while Marcos is carefree. Is it because thats how they are or is it because the circumstances made them the way they are? The film is all about dialogue and discussion and hence after a while it becomes tedious. This kind of genre works well in short film format, unless there are surprises in store for the viewers. The 2 men literally just talk about ideologies throughout the evening before Marcos heads back to the airport in the morning and that gets boring after a while. I sometimes would relate to Marcos , and other times with Alan and thats because we all have our own opinions. The acting was just average, even amateurish but not bad. The black and white setup and cinematography is quite good and it sets a mood for the film. It was a good idea.

Strictly average, this film doesn't shake the ground or provide any new insight or entertainment. its just different. (4.5/10)
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