As the adult children and grandkids are back to work and school, things are getting back to seriousness. Reading “The New York Times” the other day, you would believe that there is no joy in the world at this moment. And, in some ways, that would seem to be correct. Doomscrolling over social media can be a daunting exercise that can leave you drained and unmotivated. However, I have been trying to look at the positive in life more. So, in a bid to not fall into a complete existential crisis, let’s put the drama away (for now) and focus on more comedic efforts. We can turn our attention back in due time for awards season. Back in August the RuPaul-led Stop That Train landed with a thud in theaters not unlike an Amtrak derailment. Thankfully, Netflix has picked it up so we can watch it in the comfort of our homes. The best way to describe this would be: what if Mel Brooks or the Zucker Brothers directed a drag show? The jokes are a mile a minute, so no worry if there are any duds. True, this is the type of comedy that is a bit outdated and bawdy. But for lovers of Drag Race and Airplane, you will feel right at home.
Queens Ginger Minj and Jujubee play Tess and DeeDee, two railway stewardesses who are about to lose their jobs and have hit rock bottom. When they hear that there are two openings at the high-speed Glamazonian Express, they see this as their opportunity to better themselves. The passengers play as a who’s who of random celebrity. Wait, is that Nicole Ritchie? Jerry O’Connell? Lisa Rinna? Charo?!?! The list goes on and on. There was in fact one cameo that became a running gag throughout that gave me a chuckle every time.
But this isn’t just a simple traveling experience. As there is a storm coming dangerously close to breaking the train up, it is up to our heroes and a hunky (but not so bright) co-conductor to facilitate the movie’s title. Not sure if it was the intention of the actor or the filmmaker for the young stud to have a Keanu Reeves accent. Speed was on a bus, but I get what they were going for.
Some of the more drag-centric joking may go over the heads of those not versed in the culture or watch RuPaul’s show. This isn’t a deterrent as there are plenty of humorous moments for all people. But I do warn you that the performers can get a tad dirty. Is it going to be a masterpiece like Blazing Saddles or The Naked Gun? Absolutely not. However, as a fun afternoon, I can see worse things to be doing with my time.
Speaking of endless checking in on socials, between the hot gossip there was nothing but mentions of the Hulu show Adults. Yes, the TikTok and Threads phenomenon is back for a second season. Late in August I decided to finish the first in anticipation of this. And it was still a bit of mixed bag. There was a redemption of sorts, in the presentation of some of the characters. I was still rather trepidatious as there was some scatological bits that turned me off.
So what are my feelings about the next go-around? Well, the cast comes off more integrated and engaging. Owen Thiele and Jack Innenen are great in their will-they-won’t-they and Amita Rao has toned down Issa’s more annoying tendencies. Each generation needs their representation with their unique problems, like social media scrubs and egg freezing. There is also more in common, like the want to remind young and fun as well as dealing with jobs. Quirky as this show is, I kinda feel like it has its heart in the right place. We shall only see if this is the next Friends or New Girl.
