To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

It's been a while since the last season of Drag Race, and I need some of that good-natured drag extravaganza in my life.

And, look at that, To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) is on Netflix.

Sissy that walk.

I. What Is It?

This is the story of three drag queens (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo) who strike out on a cross-country trip from New York to compete in a drag competition in LA. Along the way they'll find themselves, spread joy, and encourage a small mid-western town to find its own fabulousness.

II. It Just Feels Good

Earlier, I mentioned RuPaul's reality show, Drag Race. RuPaul's brand of drag is joyous, and aims at freedom and the celebration of finding one's own creativity, uniqueness, nerve and talent. To Wong Foo has that same kind of positive energy, and I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't a much-needed shot in the arm. I've been mired in shitty news and terrible things happening all over the world.

A movie about three fabulous queens finding the heart and encouraging the soul of America is just so damn necessary.

And our three leads are more than game. From the opening sequence, Swayze seems to be living his best life as Vida: the way his eyes light up as he preps his make up plastered a smile across my face from the jump. Wesley Snipes, action hero and manly man, commits 100% to Noxeema's swagger. John Leguizamo's Chi-Chi is a force of nature. There is something freeing, and inspiring watching these three men embrace these roles and celebrate a culture that has been misunderstood and vilified for so long. It almost made me cry.

And when the queens arrive in Snydersville, their joy and energy are so hard to ignore that it isn't long before the locals are in on the game. Watching the way each townsperson is brought to life by the queens is heartwarming. The Strawberry social at the end is just a joy to behold.

III. Colorful and Lively

This movie is bright and shines in technicolor glory. The restored copy that Netflix streams looks absolutely gorgeous.

The cinematography is beautiful, as well, and fully showcases the majesty of these queens and their quest of positivity. The costuming is vibrant and the sets feel real and lived in. Snydersville pops in all its drab glory in comparison to the vivacity of our three queens, even in their aged Cadillac. 

Why You Should See It

- This movie is plastered a smile on my face and touched my heart. It is sheer and unwavering positivity and love. It is inspiring.
- Swayze, Snipes and Leguizamo offer incredible, nuanced, beautiful performances.
- At 109 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome and tells a nicely developed story in good time.
- RuPaul cameos as a queen named Rachel Tensions, decked in a sequined stars and bars dress. Perfection.
- For a movie about drag queens made in the 90s, this thing has aged wonderfully.

In Conclusion

Some movies are just pure fun. They wear their hearts in their sleeves and encourage goodness and kindness. To Wong Foo is one of those films. Give it a go. 

Miscellany

- The titular Wong Foo was a real person. He was the head bartender at the China Bowl restaurant. The walls of the restaurant were decorated with signed head shots and portraits of actors and celebrities.
- Julie Newmar showed up on set to watch filming. This lead to her cameo at the end of the film.
- Swayze landed the role of Vida after improvising a thirty minute monologue about his own struggles being bullied as a young man studying ballet in Texas.
- Snydersville was set in the real world Loma, Nebraska. There is still a mural that says "Welcome to Snyderville" there today.
- Swayze and Leguizamo were both nominated for Golden Globe awards.