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RuPaul Is: Starbooty!

Where to Watch RuPaul Is: Starbooty!

1987

RuPaul Is: Starbooty! is an outrageously comic foray into the exciting world of underground supermodels, espionage, and sizzling disco tunes. The film, in all its fabulous glory, stars RuPaul, one of the most recognized figures in the world of drag, accompanied by Larry Tee and Lady Bunny, who too, are stalwarts of the drag scene.

The movie showcases RuPaul in dual roles – a stunning supermodel by day, Angel Benton, and a high-flying secret agent known by the code name 'Starbooty' at night. This highly energetic, campy comedy uses broad humor and epic satire to hold a mirror up to society's expectations of beauty and gender, while serving up a witty narrative that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Larry Tee and Lady Bunny support RuPaul as they bring life to the delightfully quirk-filled universe of Starbooty. Various aspects of the drag world are integrated into the film, expertly meshed together with hilarious dialogues and over-the-top vignettes which parody the popular culture of the 80s, providing a unique and engaging experience that is equal parts funny, sassy, and educative.

Often dubbed as a provocative black exploitation spy movie, 'Starbooty' features RuPaul showing off impressive undercover agent skills while maintaining the perfect hair, makeup, and clothes expected from a world-class model. The plot thickens as she finds herself embroiled in a nefarious scheme that threatens the world of modelling. Using old-school movie techniques and nods to popular films of yesteryears, the result is a riotous, offbeat, yet respectful homage to both classic 70's detective flicks and 80's fashion culture.

In an effort to save the day, she adopts various disguises and identities, each more comedic and over-the-top than the previous. Along the way, she encounters a host of colourful characters and navigates a litany of laugh-out-loud situations. The action never stops, and the eye-catching fashion gets progressively outrageous, fuelling the film with a burst of vibrant energy that perfectly complements the flamboyant storyline.

'RuPaul Is: Starbooty!' is a triumph in its genre, combining dizzying aesthetics, irreverent humor, and legitimate thrills into one wild ride. It's a film that knows how to make its audience laugh out loud, even while grappling with deep-seated societal preconceptions of gender and glamor. The film’s non-apologetic embrace of its campiness offers a refreshing divergence from the mainstream and underscores RuPaul’s impact and influence on the drag scene.

Larry Tee and Lady Bunny add to the film’s star power with their memorable performances, offering comic moments that are unforgettable. Colors, sounds, and scenes blur into a spectacle that illustrates the film's cinematic brilliance, along with its unyielding commitment to showcasing the culture it reflects.

The musical score deserves a mention too, with disco tunes from the era providing a mesmerising backdrop and enhancing the atmosphere incredibly well. The soundtrack, like the film, is enticing and catchy, adding an extra dimension of authenticity to the story.

In conclusion, ‘RuPaul Is: Starbooty!’ is essentially a high-energy, tantalising movie that brilliantly merges glamour, humour, action, and drama resulting in a wildly entertaining experience. With strong performances from its lead cast, particularly RuPaul, and a gleefully absurd plot, it is a fantastic watch for those who love campy comedies with an ode to the wonderful era of the 70s and 80s, as well as fans of RuPaul and the glamorous world of drag.

RuPaul Is: Starbooty! is a Comedy movie released in 1987. It has a runtime of 60 min..

Director
Jon Witherspoon
Stars
RuPaul, Larry Tee, Lady Bunny
Genres