To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

Synopsis

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is a 1995 comedy road film that follows three drag queens — Vida, Noxeema, and Chi-Chi — played by Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo. The trio embarks on a cross-country road trip to compete in a national drag queen pageant in Hollywood. Along the journey, they encounter both hostility and heartwarming acceptance as they pass through conservative small-town America. The film explores themes of friendship, self-expression, and the battle against prejudice with humor and compassion. Its vibrant costumes, lively performances, and strong messages make it a unique and memorable classic of LGBTQ+ cinema.

Cast

• 

  Patrick Swayze

  Vida Boheme

• 

  Wesley Snipes

  Noxeema Jackson

• 

  John Leguizamo

  Chi-Chi Rodriguez

• 

  Stockard Channing

  Carol Ann

• 

  Blythe Danner

  Beatrice

• 

  Arliss Howard

  Virgil

Reviews

Critics were divided on To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 48% rating, reflecting mixed reviews that note its charm but criticize its sometimes clichéd and sentimental storytelling. Some reviewers praised the performances, particularly highlighting Patrick Swayze’s charisma, Wesley Snipes’ comedic timing, and John Leguizamo’s vibrant energy. The film's celebration of individuality was a positive point for many. However, others felt the movie leaned too heavily on stereotypes and predictable plot lines. Metacritic gives it a score of 60 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews but with reservations. IMDb users rated it 6.8/10, showing a decent audience appreciation though not overwhelming acclaim. Roger Ebert gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling it "a warm-hearted celebration of tolerance and friendship," but noted the narrative’s simplicity. Variety described it as "a colorful and entertaining road movie" but cautioned that its humor might not appeal to all audiences. Overall, the film is recognized for its cultural impact and heart despite its uneven critical reception.