Wong Foo Funny, But Predictable
If the Academy Awards created an honor for the year’s most cumbersome movie title, “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” would win it hands down. But aside from a strange title, this picture about three drag queens traveling across America offers dubious fashion, more than a few laughs and a hokey plot line.
In “To Wong Foo,” Vida (Patrick Swayze), Noxeema (Wesley Snipes) and Chi Chi (John Leguizamo) are three outrageously attired drag queens headed for a Hollywood pageant in a huge Cadillac convertible.
Not long after a run-in with the law, the Cadillac, which they chose for style instead of substance, breaks down in the tiny Midwestern town of Snydersville. While stranded there, the three manage to fix everything from the town’s dull appearance to the residents’ mediocre lives in just a few days. They give make-overs, plan a party, unite a young couple and beat up an abusive husband.
When a redneck sheriff comes after our heroes, Snydersville stands up in a corny show of support for the queens.
Despite the lameness of the story, “To Wong Foo” succeeds in fulfilling the most important goal of any comedy: It is funny.
The conflicts that arise between compassionate Vida, wise-cracking Noxeema and insecure Chi Chi provide most of the entertainment. Swayze, Snipes and Leguizamo give their characters enough attitude to carry the film though its bumpy spots. Swayze’s character was supposed to have some depth, but Vida’s pain was glossed over in the end. It’s a shame, because Swayze conveyed Vida’s hidden emotions well.
Funny or not, “To Wong Foo” isn’t for everyone. The weird title actually provides a clue to people about whether or not they’d like this movie. Julie Newmar was Catwoman on the old Batman TV show. If you are one of those people who gets a kick out of watching a show like that, a show so cheesy it might make you laugh, “To Wong Foo” might be for you.
Anyone who likes camp will like this flick. Anyone looking for something deep or moving will be disappointed.
Grade: B