Adam Shankman’s Stop! That! Train! hurtles down the tracks with a wild energy that’s both chaotic and contagious, like a lively drag brunch unexpectedly caught in a disaster movie, a playful political spoof, and a bashful bottle of bottom-shelf Prosecco all at once. The film is wonderfully imperfect, often ridiculous, but undeniably funny in its earnest attempt to entertain. It throws every joke, cameo, and rhinestone it can find at the screen, hoping to create joy. When it hits, it genuinely makes you laugh; when it misses, it’s simply trying its best with more glitter and rapid pacing, never losing its heart.
The film’s strongest trait is its embrace of absurdity, which brings a sense of humor rooted in the ridiculousness of reality. Christina Friel and Connor Wright’s script recognizes that escalation often heightens comedy, so each new crisis is delivered with unrestrained confidence. The idea of a runaway luxury train rushing toward a massive weather event called “Stormaganza” already sparks a smile, yet the screenplay continues to find inventive ways to escalate the absurdity in a playful, loving manner. Its satire of politics, media culture, and institutional failures tends to be broad and unapologetic, but these exaggerated swings often hit their mark, maintaining a sense of energy and engagement. The recurring joke that it’s “based on a true story” grows funnier as the film persists in pretending that the world’s most absurd nightmare could somehow be real, highlighting both the ridiculousness and the tender humor at the heart of the story.
The true heart of the film lies with Ginger Minj and Jujubee. Their chemistry adds a warm, genuine touch amid the playful chaos. Both performers demonstrate flawless comic timing, delivering insults and one-liners with seasoned confidence that resonates with authenticity. While their friendship storyline sometimes gets overshadowed by the barrage of jokes, celebrity cameos, and increasingly wild train-related mishaps, they consistently bring it back to a sincere moment of connection. Around them, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Symone, Rachel Bloom, and Matt Rogers all understand the importance of fully committing, maintaining a straight face when needed, and showing vulnerability when the moment calls for it.
RuPaul’s President Judy Gagwell is a delightfully entertaining creation that brings warmth and humor. The performance strikes a charming balance just shy of caricature, which perfectly suits this material. The recurring flashback gags and political jabs deliver some of the film’s most genuine and heartfelt laughs, even if the satire occasionally takes easy shots. Shankman directs everything with an infectious enthusiasm that echoes the crowd-pleasing spirit of Hairspray. He maintains a buoyant tone, even through moments where the joke density exceeds the humor’s depth. Not every punchline lands perfectly, and some scenes linger longer than their humor can fully support, but the overall positive energy invites the audience to embrace the charm.
Still, stop for a moment. This train succeeds because it embraces what it is without hesitation. It’s a loud, chaotic, and fiercely proud comedy that prioritizes excess over restraint and embraces nonsense over plausibility. Some viewers may find the relentless camp exhausting, while others will happily buy a first-class ticket and enjoy the ride. I found myself somewhere in the middle—more delighted than annoyed. The movie often goes off the rails, yet somehow makes that part of its charm. Messy? Yes. But truly entertaining? More often than not, darling.
Grade: B+. Netflix.
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