‘Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero’ Animated drag adventure is loads of fun

A film for drag fans of all ages, “Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero” offers a new spin on drag entertainment. “Maxxie” is a cartoon. Yes, you read that right, it’s a feature-length animated film which offers all the glitz, glamour and fun audiences expect from a good drag show.
The film comes with a bit of a San Francisco pedigree. The screenplay was written by Michael Phillis, co-creator and director of the gay male revue “Baloney.” Phillis is also the author of “Jurassiq Parq,” the drag parody currently playing at Oasis. And no less than San Francisco drag laureate D’Arcy Drollinger is credited as an associate producer.

In the movie, we meet Simon (voiced by Grant Hodges), a gay, shy, nerdy barista celebrating his 21st birthday. After Simon finds a magical wig that colors his hair pink, he finds that he can magically transform himself into Maxxie LaWow, a drag super hero, or shero, as the film’s title states.

Maxxie must do battle with Dyna Bolical (Terren Wooten Clarke), an evil queen who lives in a spooky old castle. Dyna is kidnapping drag queens and forcing them to watch a tearjerker movie so she can collect their tears, which she uses to create an anti-aging formula. Dyna believes that this formula will make her rich.

The movie that the queens are forced to watch is an amusing spoof of the Bette Midler classic “Beaches,” in which two female friends tearfully tell each other that they have cancer. These two ladies are voiced by drag superstars Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme.

And just to give “Maxxie” even more star power, Laraine Newman, an original cast member from “Saturday Night Live,” voices Claire, a spunky old lady who regains her youth thanks to Dyna’s anti-aging liquid.

“Maxxie LaWow” is an infectious, joyous film that celebrates drag culture with good humor while also offering a message of acceptance. The characters are all great fun to watch, especially Maxxie and her alter-ego Simon. One scene in particular may hit close to home with older viewers. In the scene Simon nervously stumbles over his words as he attempts to talk to his secret crush. The scene is sweet and surprisingly true to life. Simon’s friendship with fellow barista Jae (Erika Ishii) is also nice to see. Loyal and supportive, Jae is the best friend a gay man could have.

Dyna Bolical makes for a delicious villain. She’s so over-the-top evil that it becomes comical in the best sense. Her lip-synch battle with Maxxie is the film’s campy high point, a to-the-death match between two fierce queens in a dizzying, show-stopping sequence.

The film is bright and colorful (except for Dyna’s mansion of course) and has a terrific soundtrack featuring the singing talents of Grammy-nominated vocalist Angie Fisher.

Considering what’s going on in the world these days a little escapism is sorely needed. “Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero” is just what the doctor ordered. Invite a few friends over and watch it over cocktails.

‘Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero’ is now streaming at Google Play, Fandango at Home, Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
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