https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/2003-08-15/173105/

aGLIFF's Opening Night

By Stephen MacMillan Moser, August 15, 2003, Screens

Girls Will Be Girls

D: Richard Day; with Jack Plotnick, Clinton Leupp, and Jeffrey Roberson

With elements of every camp classic thrown in from All About Eve to Valley of the Dolls to Mommie Dearest to Hairspray, from the opening credits to closing credits, Girls Will Be Girls is a riot to watch. With notable mention going to Roberson (better known in real life as the cross-dressing Varla Jean Merman), twirling across the screen like a kittenish plus-sized Nicole Kidman, the cast of drag beauties is exceptional. Prepare to howl as director Richard Day, with the sensibility of Jacqueline Susann crossed with the high camp of John Waters, makes the film work by concentrating on the larger-than-life personas in this over-the-top drama.

The 16th annual Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival opens on Thursday, Aug. 21, 7:30pm, at the Paramount Theatre, with a screening of Girls Will Be Girls. For tickets or more information, visit www.agliff.org or call 799-6327. For the Chronicle's full festival preview, including interviews, schedules, and recommended films, check this space next week.