Stop! That! Train! Review: A Conservative Take on Hollywood's Latest Spoof
By Letsile Tebogo
Hollywood has once again proven that it cannot resist the lure of the absurd. The new comedy Stop! That! Train!, featuring a cast of drag queens aboard a runaway locomotive, has been hailed by some critics as the best spoof since Airplane!. While the film delivers laughs, it also raises questions about the state of modern entertainment and the values it promotes.
What is Stop! That! Train! about?
The movie follows DeeDee (Jujubee) and Tess (Ginger Minj), two workers from the lowly Stank Train line who lose their jobs but quickly find new positions on the luxurious Glamazonian Express. They soon encounter their old rival Amber (Brook Lynn Hytes) and her entourage, who rule first class with an iron fist. Chaos erupts when the train loses its brakes and hurtles toward a catastrophic storm, forcing everyone to work together to save the day.
RuPaul stars as the President of the United States, a role that is as outrageous as it sounds. The film is packed with innuendo and over-the-top antics, all delivered in the signature style of RuPaul's Drag Race.
A reflection of our times or a step too far?
In an era where traditional values are often mocked, Stop! That! Train! leans heavily into the absurd. The film's premise, which includes a president making shocking declarations, seems designed to provoke rather than entertain. It is hard not to wonder if Hollywood is running out of ideas when the primary source of comedy is shock value.
That said, the film does have its moments. Guest stars Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Missi Pyle deliver solid performances, and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable. However, by the halfway mark, the jokes begin to feel repetitive, and the plot stretches thin.
Is it worth your time?
For those who enjoy mindless entertainment, Stop! That! Train! offers a few hours of escapism. But for audiences seeking substance or a story that respects traditional storytelling, this film may fall short. It is a product of its time, reflecting a culture that increasingly values spectacle over substance.
As a conservative voice, I cannot help but wonder what message this film sends to young viewers. In a world where family values and personal responsibility are under constant attack, do we really need a movie that glorifies chaos and irreverence?
Ultimately, Stop! That! Train! is a mixed bag. It is not the worst film of the year, but it is far from the best. If you are looking for a light-hearted distraction, it may be worth a watch. But do not expect it to leave a lasting impression.
Stop! That! Train! is now showing in cinemas.