Connie e Carla: As Rainhas da Noite

Toni Collette will face a lot of comparisons to another Tony: Tony Curtis from Some Like It Hot, and possibly even to Julie Andrews for her performance in Victor/Victoria, why? Simple, there just aren't that many mainstream drag queen movies out there. Should those judgement's toward previous entries into the genre be fair or not will be up to the audience. However, on it's own merit, I found the movie was incredibly well written, particular in the scenes involving the gay community in West Hollywood.

My only problem came with the cartoon-two dimensional depiction of the straights. Whether it be David Duchovny as the brother of a Drag Queen who wants to get close with his brother prior to his upcoming nuptials, his character's intolerant girlfriend who isn't aware of her future brother-in-law's lifestyle, or to a point even Nia Vardalos's acting in general...there were scenes that were stiff. Nia seriously reminds me of Al Gore...she has some moments of brilliance but more often than not, she is as stiff as a board and reminiscent of the talent you see in some small town dinner-theaters.

Despite throwing in the kitchen sink of every gay joke, save one...no references to Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz...it was an overall enjoyable experience. Just enough titillation to warrant a good time by everyone.

"Connie and Carla" is a delightful light comedy. It describes two young women in a dinner club in O'Hare airport in Chicago. They witness a murder of their manager, and escape to Los Angeles to avoid their own executions. Connie is played by Nia Vardalo of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame. She gives a pithy performance and one is drawn to her likable character. Toni Collette as Carla also gives a warm performance. Together they portray drag queens in their quest for remaining undiscovered. There is a delightful array of "drag queens" in the chorus line that punctuates this well organized film. In addition, there is a charming surprise performance by Debbie Reynolds toward the end. I can recommend this film as a very light way to spend ones cinematic experience. It is not great, but it is lots of fun.

"Connie and Carla" is about two dinner theater performers (Vardalos & Collette) who, on the lam from the mob, bring their musical show to L.A. where they pose as drag queens while one falls for a guy. More lively than sophisticated, this little musical romcom (emphasis on comedy) wears its flimsy premise out while filling in the blanks with loads of show tune song and dance snippets. A step down for writer and lead Vardalos, "C&C" makes for an ebullient, energetic, and somewhat lame powder puff and perfume comedy watch. Slammed by the critics with average marks from the public, "C&C" will play best with females and anyone into drag comedy and show tunes. (B-)

I just saw this yesterday, and thought it was excellent. The first half hour is a little slow and predictable, but once the movie gets going it is very funny. Yes, there are drag queens and when we saw it a few people walked out. But most of the crowd - a few kids, college students, and mostly older retired people - loved it! There are many funny scenes, and the movie itself could be called a musical, as there are plenty of renditions of broadway songs with the ladies dressed in drag. It is a cute story, the drag queens are very likeable and the movie makes some attempt to understand why they dress in drag, and to be understanding about the rest of the world's perception of them. Not everyone is ready to see a movie starring some drag queens, but for those that can look past that, it's a heartwarming story about friendship and acceptance :o)

This is a cute movie as it lightens your spirit and makes you laugh. An important part of life. The characters are flat and do what is expected but that makes it even more fun to watch. I don't have to figure out any sub plots and it doesn't do any brain drain. After a hard day in the office it was a great movie to get my mind off my problems. The drag queens were great. Their costumes and figures are better than most women. David Duchovny as a romantic lead works for me. Nia Vardalos can go up against Meg Ryan for cute and funny in a movie. She does an excellent hometown type leading lady. The plot has enough of a story line to keep you going without getting bored.