Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language and mature humor in charming drag comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
AJ and the Queen
What's the Story?
Written and created by RuPaul and Sex and the City's Michael Patrick King, AJ AND THE QUEEN focuses on an unlikely friendship that blossoms between drag queen Ruby Red (RuPaul) and 10-year-old AJ (Izzy G.), who's just been evicted from the apartment where drug-addicted mom Brianna (Katerina Tannenbaum) hasn't been home in a month. Meanwhile, Ruby (aka Robert) is having problems too, as a mountain of saved-up cash and a dream of owning a drag club have evaporated along with duplicitous ex Damien (Josh Segarra). Now Ruby has to head out on a tour of drag clubs to make enough money just to make ends meet, while AJ tags along to get a ride to visit family in Texas.
Is It Any Good?
As sweet-tart, charmingly acerbic, and frequently bonkers as its star, this throwback to 1980s unlikely-buddy comedies is predictable, preachy, and surprisingly delightful. RuPaul isn't above lecturing the audience, and a few of AJ and the Queen's plotlines are absolutely ludicrous (c'mon, Ru's being stalked by baddies that include an eyepatch-wearing villainess called Lady Danger?), but the chemistry between Ru's Ruby and the foul-mouthed 10-year-old stowaway AJ is so perfect that even cynical viewers may find their emotions stirring. Izzy G. can really act—the moments when her tough-kid armor falls away and she cries about her tough life like the grade schooler she is are positively heartrending—and watching a supportive relationship grow between her and Ruby is affecting.
Of course, there's at least one full-length flawless lip-synch moment in each episode, and one should definitely question Ruby's judgment for blithely ferrying a child across state lines, but a comedy that plays out in tawdry dressing rooms and gay bars and different towns connected by long highways navigated in an RV festooned with wigs is fun. It's ridiculous fun with heart—Michael Patrick King, we may forgive you for Sex and the City 2 after all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes in AJ and the Queen. How do the characters reinforce or undermine stereotypes typically associated with people in the LGBTQ+ community?
RuPaul, the star of AJ and the Queen, is also one of the creators and co-writes episodes. Does this surprise you? Do creators who appear in their creations usually write themselves starring roles? How do you think it impacts the show or production, if at all?
What other movies or shows have you seen starring queer characters? How does this one compare? Which are your favorites?
Why are parents often absent in stories about teens and young children? What types of storytelling would the presence of parents inhibit? What types of dilemmas do children and teens find themselves in when they must act as their own authority?
How does the show encourage compassion, empathy, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 10, 2020
- Cast : RuPaul Charles , Izzy G. , Michael-Leon Wooley
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 22, 2024
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