The new drag comedy Stop That Train arrives with a premise full of promise: a group of drag queens plot to rob a train. But despite a game cast and a few scattered laughs, the film derails into a tedious mess of missed opportunities and groan-worthy gags.
A Heist Gone Wrong
The story follows Violet (played by drag superstar Bianca Del Rio), a flamboyant mastermind who assembles a team of queens to steal a priceless diamond from a luxury train. The setup is classic heist fare, but the execution is anything but. Director Jamie Lee struggles to balance camp with coherence, resulting in scenes that drag on without purpose.
The cast, including Jinkx Monsoon and Bob the Drag Queen, gives it their all. Their chemistry is palpable, but the script lets them down. Jokes about sequins and sass fall flat, while physical comedy feels forced. A sequence involving a runaway luggage cart is the film’s nadir, eliciting more groans than giggles.
Visuals and Music
Visually, the film is a mixed bag. The train interiors are lavish, but the cinematography is static, failing to capture the kinetic energy drag performances require. The soundtrack, a mix of original songs and covers, is forgettable. A lip-sync battle to a RuPaul classic is the only musical highlight, but it’s over too quickly.
The film’s biggest misstep is its length. At 110 minutes, Stop That Train overstays its welcome. Subplots involving a nosy detective (Leslie Jordan) and a rival queen (Trixie Mattel) go nowhere, padding the runtime without adding laughs or stakes.
Missed Potential
Drag comedy can be sharp, subversive, and hilarious. Think The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert or To Wong Foo. Stop That Train tries to emulate those classics but lacks their wit and heart. The heist plot is an afterthought, and the queens’ backstories are clichés: one wants validation, another seeks revenge. None feel fully realized.
The film also suffers from tonal whiplash. It can’t decide if it’s a farce, a caper, or a heartfelt story about found family. The result is a muddled mess that satisfies no genre.
Final Verdict
Stop That Train is a missed opportunity. With a talented cast and a fun concept, it should have been a riot. Instead, it’s a slog. Die-hard drag fans might find moments to enjoy, but most viewers will want to get off this train long before it reaches its destination.
Rating: 2/5 stars
