Stream It or Skip It? A Deep Dive into Noah’s Arc: The Movie
Noah’s Arc: The Movie is the much-anticipated second feature-length spinoff and a heartwarming tribute to the beloved LGBTQ series, Noah’s Arc. Premiering on Paramount+ with Showtime, this film commemorates the show’s 20th anniversary, breathing new life into cherished characters from the original 2005-06 series. Created by Patrik Ian-Polk, it arrives just in time for Pride Month, allowing fans a nostalgic return while showcasing new chapters in their lives. But is this reunion worth your time? Let’s find out.
The Gist of the Story
Right from the opening, we find Noah (played by Darryl Stephens) narrating an upbeat montage. Noah is now a successful TV producer, happily married to Wade (portrayed by Jensen Atwood), who has transitioned into a music producer. Their family life is blooming, with a surrogate mother soon to deliver twins. Alex (played by Rodney Chester) has evolved into the owner of a thriving drag club, where he reigns as the headlining queen. His partner Trey (Gregory Kieth) and their adopted trans teen daughter Olivia (Mariyea) complete this vibrant family unit.
But as life unfolds, we see familiar struggles: Ricky (played by Christian Vincent) navigates his free-spirited lifestyle, while Chance (Doug Spearman) attempts to keep the peace with his partner Eddie (Jonathan Julian). The film illustrates that this reunion isn’t just about fun—it’s about grappling with adult responsibilities and the challenges that come with them.
“All of us are about to start a new chapter,” Noah reflects, setting the tone for the heartfelt journey that follows.
Plot Twists and Humor
Noah is riding high on the success of his recent project—a final zombie-thriller episode—when he receives a game-changing call about a potential gig for none other than “Queen B.” Around the same time, Wade lands a high-profile record production for young rap sensation 2-Tone (Jasun Jabbar). As their careers calibrate alongside their burgeoning family life, hilarity ensues, particularly through the absurdity of managing lifelike baby dolls as practice for parenting.
Amidst the comedic moments, subplots thicken: Olivia feels the tension straining her relationships and petitions to live with Noah and Wade, while Ricky wrestles with undisclosed troubles. This film artfully balances humor with reality, albeit sometimes leading to simplistic resolutions to heavy issues like death and parenthood.
What to Expect: A Nostalgic Journey
Films of Similar Tone
Fans of nostalgic revivals may draw parallels to projects like Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling, which also resurfaced after years of dormancy. While Noah’s Arc revisits themes of community and love, it also reflects a decade and a half of growth in its characters.
Standout Performances
Darryl Stephens shines as the central figure, adeptly weaving together the film’s varied narrative threads. His ability to balance gravity with levity elevates the overall viewing experience.
Memorable Dialogue
The script offers comedic gems that highlight the show’s signature humor. “Do people still say ‘Hi,’ or is it just ‘SEND DICK PICS AND BUTTHOLE SHOTS’?” captures the humor while keeping the essence of modern LGBTQ relationships.
Scintillating Scenes
Though some sexy scenes push boundaries, the film remains grounded within the TV-MA realm, offering a tantalizing glimpse without crossing into explicit territory.
Our Take: Is It Worth Your Time?
While Noah’s Arc has evolved beyond its original basic-cable roots—characterized by a decidedly horny vibe—the production quality feels stagnant, often reminiscent of its earlier format. Ian-Polk’s ambition to blend earnestness with campiness sometimes wavers, affecting tonal consistency.
Ultimately, the film tends to appeal primarily to die-hard fans. While nostalgia plays a pivotal role, the lack of dramatic depth might alienate newcomers. Noah’s Arc: The Movie thrives on familiarity, presenting characters that are both relatable and flawed.
Verdict: Stream It or Skip It?
In the end, Noah’s Arc: The Movie is a classic FFO (For Fans Only) piece. If you’ve been longing to reconnect with these characters, stream it—you know what you’re in for. However, if you’re a newcomer, it might be wise to pass, at least for now.
Want to dive deeper into the world of LGBTQ cinema? Check out Metro Weekly’s film reviews or explore The Advocate’s latest features for more insights and recommendations!
