The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Rating:
Summary: Funny is what you come for, the acting will make you stay.
Review: This film is a little deeper than I was expecting. Priscilla does deliver the expected beautiful colors and fancy frocks. Laughs continue through to the end. But I was not expecting such rounded characters and wonderful acting. There is a lot to this film that might surprise you like the heartbreaking scenes about their family or the constant rejections. Sure the singing is fun and the dancing will get you out of your couch. But what you'll remember are the quieter, deeper bits in between.

Rating:
Summary: The Stages of Life as Viewed Through Priscilla
Review: Beyond the campiness of the ABBA tunes, the outrageous costumes, and the superficial drag queen/transsexual jokes is the story of three different stages of life as we encounter them.

We meet Tick/Mitzi, Adam/Felicia, and Bernadette (don't call her Ralph) heading out to the Outback in Australia for a gig. Our heroines have their run of the mill "adventures" on their trip but what elevates this film is the exploration of the needs of each of them.

Felicia is in his mid 20s and all he wants to do is have fun and danger. He doesnt have a problem in the world and he doesnt care to have them. His youth is not going to be wasted.

Mitzi, in his mid 30s is starting to think about being a bit more responsible. We discover that the manager at the hotel where they're due to perform is actually his ex-wife and if that weren't enough, his son is waiting for him as well. Mitzi, like most people in their 30s with children wonders if he'll be a good father.

Bernadette is in her mid 50s. She's gone past the first two ages. Her only concern now is someone to spend the rest of her days with. Luckily, she finds Bob.

In this subtle way, we're pulled in to identify with and feel for these people.

The acting was superb. Although Terence Stamp got most of the accolades, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce were brilliant as well. Despite your opinions on ABBA, you'll probably enjoy the soundtracks as well. Definately required viewing.

Rating:
Summary: Outbackragious!
Review: Priscilla is witty and outragious while maintaining a provacative story line. The three main characters give wonderful performances, and true to their abilities, have all gone on to star in other blockbuster roles. The film holds many parallels to the American film; "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar". Many friends of mine liked Wong Foo better, but it's the glitz they liked. The story in Priscilla was much more gritty and compelling, and the soundtrack was certainly nostalgic! Downfalls of the film were the relatively poor quality of the picture at times and the sound quality itself. I still love it, have purchased the video, and will most likely purchase the DVD. Don't miss this fun, campy film!

Rating:
Summary: Mamma Mia!
Review: Just finished watching this cult classic film, "Priscilla", and not only did I laugh through this flick, but still was touched by the sentimental storyline behind the crassness of the characters. Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce, and Hugo Weaving play ultra-convincing queens (if you don't believe me, rent LA Confidential and compare Guy's performances in both films!), ordained to travel across the country to perform in Alice Springs, Australia. Along the way, their adventures splice open the Outback in a warm and wonderful, colorful way. As I watched, I kept thinking this is what I hoped "Too Wong Foo" accomplished, but somehow missed the mark.

I found the DVD to be very pleasing all around, but with one serious flaw: no English subtitles option.

Rating:
Summary: beautiful desert. queen of denial
Review: this movie is so splendiferous, and adult in its attempt at human sufferage. It attempts to be itself, and hopes that the world will sing along..but it does not accept requests! The three Primary actors perform CLASSICALLY, in roles that will live on forever. This is one of the five greatest films of my genereation..compared to Sling BLADE, FARGO, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, and Star wars 1.A true masterpiece! thank you all.

Rating:
Summary: "An ABBA tur. . ." -- Wildly Entertaining, Darkly Joyous
Review: A reviewer below said the movie will leave you with "soaring spirits" -- so true! This Australian-drag-queens-on-a-road-trip-with-a-purpose flick will appeal to homos and heteros alike, assuming open minds from both camps. For me the movie brought both laughter and tears of joy -- one of those rare flicks to inspire almost universal goodwill-to-mankind in its viewers. As has been said before (but not enough times), Stamp's performance is brilliant, bringing the right combination of sensitivity, humor, and realism to a character you won't meet on the sidewalk every day. Guy Pearce is a marvelous beauty, out of drag as well as in, and he, too, plays his part extremely well. The ABBA background music complements the darkly fizzy goings-on onscreen. Though the protagonists confront challenges and enemies throughout, including among themselves, the world in which their colorful road trip takes place is benevolent enough to allow them a cheerful ending. That's not the outcome that would be expected in real life -- so let's give a round of applause to the moviemakers for departing from real life. Entertaining and uplifting, this one's a keeper.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty darned funny
Review: "Priscilla" is about a group of Australian drag queens who set-off across the outback to do a stage show for an old friend. Their shows involve outrageous costumes and make-up, and lip-synching to funky 70s music--except Abba... Along the way, they encounter some troubles, and some very interesting people. There is definitely some lewd content, though it is handled well. Actually, it was so ridiculous that it was funny... This movie's strength is that it separates the wacky shows from the real people behind them, and it has some very touching moments about family and friendships. Definitely not for children or uptight people, but perfect if you are wacky!

Rating:
Summary: Superb movie
Review: I went to this for a friend whom I forced to sit through Blue Sky. He is a good friend and am lucky he still talks to me. Anyway, this was such a good film with a way brilliant performance by Stamp. It's so good to discover a film like this that really means a lot. Don't miss it.

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Summary: Priscilla Does It Up In Pink
Review: "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert," the "original" to the popular "Too Wong Foo" is an Australian masterpiece, portraying excellent drag queens and a mysterious transgender and their adventures through the desert as they travel to a larger town to perform drag on the stage. Lots of twists and turns, laughter and tears- and definately a 5-star performance complete with austrich-head appeal in the end. This is a must for all gays to see, and a 5-star movie rated by ME! [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Terence Stamp Steals The Show
Review: This is the only video I have ever rented that I watched completely through, then watched all over again. I found the drag dance/lip sync scenes to be mesmerizing. The movie is funny, but Terence Stamp's performance is incredible. He should have been nominated for, and won, an Oscar. He played the aging drag queen to perfection, and he's not gay. Does it make my review any more valid to say that I'm not either?