This is the story of two girlfriends, Vida Boheme (Patrick Swazye) and Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), who rise to the pinnacle of drag queen stardom in New York City. They win a trip to Hollywood to represent the Big Apple in the national drag queen beauty pageant. Along the way, they adopt Chi Chi, a Latin "boy in a dress" and take her under their tutelage. Both Chi Chi and the audience learn the nuances of being a glamorous drag queen in a sometimes hostile world. Noxeema and Miss Vida also give lessons on the "four rules" of being a glamorous drag queen.

This is a true "fairy tale." The film begins with the transformation of Noxeema and Miss Vida, and that's the last of their male selves we see. Along the way, they transform the lives of a small town, Snydersville, Nebraska, by giving lessons in style, and bringing a fresh air of liberation. The audience laughs along with this trio, and one thinks that this movie will transform public attitudes, as well.

Our stars are too lovely to be believed. Uncle Miltie - that pioneering prime time transvestite - must be proud, and more than a little jealous. Patrick Swazye exudes grace as a somewhat blueblood Miss Vida. Wesley Snipes is a beautiful African Queen, hard on the outside, but a softy on the inside. John Leguizamo, however, presents the most convincing- and cutest- transformation as the lovely and naughty Chi Chi.. One must wonder why he would want to return to life as John!

"Approval Neither Desired nor Required"

The fans of TG Forum will be happy to know that this film introduces a new ethic to America; acceptance of transgendered people. People learn that the transgendered are special individuals with unique gifts and caring hearts. The masses learn distinctions as well. Such as that between a drag queen, as a "gay man with too much style for one gender," and a transvestite as a hetero man who gets a sexual thrill from dressing up. May the stereotypes and narrow-mindedness come tumbling down!

"Wong Foo" dishes out lessons in style and substance and approval and acceptance. This film has some great lines that could become a rallying cry for those of us trying to reach self acceptance. In a poignant moment, Noxeema declares; "Approval neither desired nor required." "To Wong Foo" is another movie about acceptance like "Just Like a Woman."

These professionals clearly enjoyed their roles. Later that night, on the "Late Show with David Letterman," Wesley Snipes camped it up delightfully as he removed his drabbies to reveal a sexy psychedelic mini dress. He slid back into his DQ role quite easily, and revealed something when he said he found the role "liberating." Patrick Swayze showed similar fondness for the role in appearances on the "Tonight Show" and "Late Show." He gave us a sweet compliment by stating it "takes a real man to be able to wear a dress."

And, of course, we want to see more of John Leguizamo in drag! His metamorphosis was the most convincing and appealing to this reviewer.

The most frustrating part of this film was that I kept reaching for the rewind button as I watched it on a huge theater screen on opening day. The film has many poignant, funny and relevant moments. It gives perspective by using history lessons, has numerous zingers every T-person should carry as accessories and lots of outfits to give us ideas for future adventures. It's definitely on my video buy list.

Thumbs up!