Review: Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero

“Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero” has burst onto the scene as a vibrant and unapologetically camp animated film, arriving just in time for Pride 2025 and promising a fun ride for audiences of all ages (though perhaps best suited for slightly older teens and adults). Created and directed by Anthony Hand, with a screenplay by Michael Phillis, this super-campy and super-powered movie introduces us to Simon, a shy barista whose life is transformed by an alien creature taking the form of an animated wig. This wig allows Simon to become Maxxie LaWow, a drag queen superhero ready to take on the evil Dyna Bolical, who plots to exploit drag queens for world makeup market domination.

The film’s infectious energy and heartwarming message of inclusivity pops off the screen reminiscent of classic drag films. The voice cast features energetic performances highlighted by Erika Mari Ishii as Maxxie’s sidekick Jae, who nearly steals the show,  and the original music is really well done featuring pop tracks from Grammy-nominated vocalist Angie Fisher. Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero is a great introduction for slightly older teenagers and fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race who will appreciate the borrowed lingo and edgy fun. Chubby Beagle Productions handled the animation featuring character designs that are fun and full of personality.

Overall, Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero is a joyous and vital film, celebrating drag culture with humor, heart, and a clear message of acceptance. The premise may be a bit cliche with adept comic/hero probably being able to spot obvious homages to The Mask and a number of other MCU stories, but done with better dialogue than most of bid Disney’s Phase 4 lineup.