Manny the Movie Guy Scores Exclusive Interviews with Director Adam Shankman and Cast of Campy Action-Comedy “STOP! THAT! TRAIN!”

In the wild world of blockbuster comedies, few films promise as much chaos, glamour, and laugh-out-loud absurdity as STOP! THAT! TRAIN!, the new action-comedy disaster flick that hit theaters today. Directed by the legendary Adam Shankman (*Hairspray*, Disenchanted), the film follows best friends and train stewardesses Tess (Ginger Minj) and DeeDee (Jujubee) as they upgrade from the dreary Stank Rail to the luxurious Glamazonian Express—only to face a catastrophic “Stormaganza” that threatens to derail everything. With RuPaul as President Gagwell leading the charge, and a stacked ensemble of Drag Race stars like Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, and Marcia Marcia Marcia, it’s a high-speed spoof inspired by classics like Airplane! and The Naked Gun.

As your go-to Manny the Movie Guy for NBC Palm Springs, I had the absolute blast of sitting down with director Adam Shankman and key cast members Ginger Minj and Jujubee for exclusive interviews. The energy was electric, the tea was piping hot, and the insights into this campy ride were pure gold. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights from our chats!

(Watch our NBC Palm Springs interview above, and click here for our uncut chat with the “Stop! That! Train” gang)

### Adam Shankman: Bringing the Camp, Heart, and Human-Made Magic

Shankman, a veteran choreographer and director known for infusing films with joy, music, and unapologetic fun, dove deep into what made STOP! THAT! TRAIN! such a unique project. He emphasized the film’s roots in classic parody while layering in heartfelt friendship and modern flair.

> “This is the silliest, stupidest, and most chaotically funny comedy of the year,” Shankman shared with me. “We wanted to capture that Airplane! spirit but with the glamour and heart of the Drag Race universe. Working with these incredible queens was a dream— their timing, improvisation, and commitment to the bit elevated every scene.”

He also addressed recent online buzz about AI in production, firmly stating that every shot was crafted by human hands with a massive VFX team. No generative AI shortcuts here—just old-school creativity and collaboration.

Shankman compared directing this to his musical work, noting the physical comedy and timing challenges on a “runaway train” set. He praised the writers Christina Friel and Connor Wright for blending raunchy jokes with genuine emotion between Tess and DeeDee.

### Ginger Minj and Jujubee: The Dynamic Duo Steering the Glamazonian Express

Ginger Minj (Tess) and Jujubee (DeeDee) brought their signature wit and chemistry to our interview. These two Drag Race icons turned the stewardess roles into comedy gold, mixing high-stakes action with BFF banter that steals the show.

Ginger opened up about the friendship at the film’s core: “Beneath all the chaos and camp, it’s really about these two ride-or-die besties saving the day—and each other. Tess and DeeDee have that real sisterhood that fans will connect with.”

Jujubee spilled on the wilder moments, teasing a shocking “SHE KISSED WHAT?!” scene and hinting at hilarious bits that didn’t make the final cut. “Ask us anything—we’ve got the deleted scene tea!” she laughed. The pair also raved about working with RuPaul and Shankman, describing the set as a non-stop party of creativity and inclusivity.

They highlighted how the film celebrates drag excellence on the big screen, bringing queer joy and representation to a mainstream audience in the most entertaining way possible.

### Why “STOP! THAT! TRAIN!” is a Must-See Summer Ride

From my chats, it’s clear this film is more than just a parody—it’s a love letter to absurdity, friendship, and the power of performance. With its 90-minute runtime packed with gags, glamour, and heart, it’s perfect for fans of over-the-top comedies and Drag Race devotees alike.

Shankman and the cast delivered a project that feels fresh, fun, and fiercely human. As Manny the Movie Guy, I’m giving it a big thumbs up—hop aboard this Glamazonian Express for one wild, hilarious journey!

Catch STOP! THAT! TRAIN! in theaters now. What was your favorite moment? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and reviews from me!

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