Killer Drag Queens On Dope has all the hallmarks of a trash classic: An outrageous plot, memorable one-liners, excessive drug taking and a killer drag queen on roller skates. This film was obviously made on a budget of next to nothing and the production values are pretty basic. However, this is more than compensated for by the sheer originality and humour of the undertaking.
The film revolves around two drag queens, Ginger and Coco, who take a lot of drugs and carry out hits for Ginger's mobster boyfriend, Bobby. That is basically it. Killer Drag Queens On Dope doesn't waste time on anything as dull as character or plot development. Instead, it strings together a series of wonderfully bizarre vignettes of Ginger and Coco murdering Bobby's enemies. The "hits" are hilarious in their own right. Ginger kills one man by literally sitting on his face, while another memorable assassination sees Ginger dressing up as a nun. There are also poison darts, fencing duels and the brilliant (and almost impossibly camp) roller finale. When not bumping off mobsters for Bobby, the twosome indulge in their other passion - illicit drugs. One of the film's best sequences involves Ginger and Coco taking acid, then stealing a car and visiting a psychic.
The film owes a lot to the highly charismatic presence of the cutting edge Arquette, the always entertaining Alexis. Alexis plays Ginger with a large dose of wit and sympathy. Unlike most actors who have appeared in drag, Alexis never feels the need to turn the character into a walking punchline. His ease with Ginger probably stems from his own incredibly fierce alter-ego, Eva Destruction. Omar Alexis also does a great job as Coco, the daydreamer who obsesses over Lovely Linda dolls. The supporting cast is fun, particularly the actors who play Uncle A and Mr Fly. The quality acting is matched by a highly amusing script and competent directing.
Killer Drag Queens On Dope is a return to the days of the loud and proud B-movie. This film knows its audience and doesn't bother trying to appeal to the masses. I love this film's irreverent tone and winning humour. Fans of John Waters and early Almodovar will find Killer Drag Queens On Dope a highly enjoyable experience.
