In the realm of comedy and drag culture, few names shine as brightly as RuPaul Charles. With a career spanning 44 years RuPaul has become a household name, known for his charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. Recently, he took on a new role that has captivated audiences worldwide: President Judy Gagwell in the film Stop! That! Train!.
This delightfully absurd disaster-flick spoof, directed by Adam Shankman, has been making waves for its record-breaking joke-per-minute ratio. The film follows the chaotic journey of a runaway train and the eccentric characters aboard it, including RuPaul’s presidential character. With a campaign slogan as simple as “She fun!” President Judy Gagwell brings a unique blend of humor and leadership to the screen.
RuPaul’s Presidential Persona
RuPaul’s portrayal of President Judy Gagwell is nothing short of iconic. From her presidential pantsuits reminiscent of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Kamala Harris to her unforgettable one-liners, RuPaul brings a level of charisma and humor that is unmatched. One memorable scene involves a White House corridor walk-and-talk, where RuPaul’s character is briefed by her chief aide, played by Matt Rogers. The aide’s sycophantic behavior and the absurd items he piles into her arms, from briefing papers to a bowling pin and a stuffed animal, add to the film’s comedic charm.
President Gagwell’s request to “Tell it to me straight.” and then “Tell it to me gay.” is a highlight of the film, showcasing RuPaul’s ability to blend political satire with drag culture. The film’s humor is further amplified by the presence of other drag race alumni, including Ginger Minj and Jujubee, who play the film’s real stars, Tess and DeeDee.
The Heart of the Film: Tess and DeeDee’s Journey
The film’s narrative revolves around the sweet duo of Tess and DeeDee, played by Ginger Minj and Jujubee. These longtime friends, who attended train hostess academy together, find themselves aboard the luxury Glamazonian Express after being handed pink slips from their low-rent company, Stank Rail. Their journey is an amalgam of “Airplane!” and “Mean Girls” filled with chaos, heart, and enough glamour to derail the train itself.
The safety announcement, a saucy song-and-dance number, sets the tone for the film’s humor. With lines like “There ain’t no TSA” and “We’re like if Amtrak was gay.” the film combines political satire with drag culture in a way that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. The film’s record-breaking joke pace is a testament to the hard work and creativity of its cast and crew, who shot the entire film in just 19 days.
The Stormaganza and Presidential Crisis
As the film progresses, the characters face a catastrophic storm known as the “Stormaganza!” which threatens to derail the train and cause widespread chaos. President Gagwell must discover who she really is and whether she is brave enough to guide the country through this crisis. The film’s humor is further amplified by the presence of other notable characters, including Donna Dusk, played by Rachel Bloom, who tries to warn of the impending disaster.
The film’s blooper reel at the end feels slow compared to the rapid-fire jokes that precede it. However, the heart of the film lies in the authentic chemistry between its leads, Ginger Minj and Jujubee. Their real-life bond, cultivated over a decade, provides the foundation for the iconic, high-speed friendship of their characters. As Ginger Minj noted, their relationship on screen is a perfect reflection of their actual friendship, with Jujubee keeping her grounded in every moment.
That! Train! is a film that breaks barriers and brings drag culture to the center of a major motion picture. With its record-breaking joke pace and unforgettable characters, it is a testament to the hard work and creativity of its cast and crew. As Symone, one of the film’s stars, noted, audiences will leave the theater “laughing, joyous and fulfilled.” Be sure to catch this high-speed comedy when it hits theaters on June 12th!
