To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is a 1995 American road comedy film directed by Beeban Kidron and starring Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo as three New York City drag queens who embark on a road trip. Its title refers to an iconic autographed photo of Julie Newmar that they carry with them on their journey. Newmar additionally appears in the film as herself.
The film was released on September 8, 1995, and was in the number 1 spot in the North American box office for two weeks with a worldwide gross of $47.8 million. Critical response was mixed, with particular criticism towards the plot and its familiar elements, but the performances of Swayze, Snipes, and Leguizamo were lauded. Swayze and Leguizamo both earned Golden Globe Award nominations as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
via Wikipedia
This was not the first time I watched this movie. I was much, much younger the first time I watched it and I remember not being able to understand all the nuances. Now I am a much older person who has seen quite a bit more out of life and oh my mercy is there a lot to say about this movie now.
- This movie is a product of the times and uses language that not many of us would use now. However, at the time it was appropriate to use those terms and I will forgive it for that.
- I have been following Trixie Mattel and if she is anything to go by – Drag Queens are not in drag 24/7.
- Drag Queens are still very misunderstood and this is very unfortunate.
As a Midwesterner from small town America there are very many relatable things in this movie for me and I find that unfortunate too. The small mindedness of some individuals can make life extra scary, and the journey of finding yourself is never truly over.
I didn’t cry, but I did enjoy the good people of the town coming together and throwing out the oppressive, ignorant, antagonists. I think this movie is due for an updated version.
Fellowship of Filming(s) 