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But I'm A Cheerleader (1999)

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Average rating: 67%
24278181220517
3.0
from 890 members
 
Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Clea Duvall, Cathy Moriarty, Melanie Lynskey, Wesley Mann, Richard Moll
Director: Jamie Babbit
Studio: PRISM LEISURE
Run time: 98 mins
Certificate: 15
User collections: A great list for gay gals!, The Best Lesbian Films, A REAL GAY GIRL LIST
Genres: Comedy, Gay/Lesbian
Languages: English
Released: unknown

Brief synopsis of But I'm A Cheerleader

When Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a popular high school cheerleader, is accused by her family of being gay, she doesn't know how to respond. Her parents send her to True Directions, a homosexual rehabilitation camp where she does her best to please the counselors and return to heterosexuality. But when Graham (Clea DuVall) arrives, a proud lesbian who's only attending the camp to retain her trust fund, Megan begins to question all the lessons she has learned up to that point. This absurd comedy boldly connects humour with romance in a highly original fashion.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 2 stars out of 5 Radio Times

This sugar-coated satire is continually sacrificing the important points it makes regarding homophobia and prejudice for the sake of an easy gag. Teenager Natasha Lyonne is suspected of being a lesbian by her friends and family, so she's shipped off to a rehabilitation camp that promises to “cure” her sexual preference. There she meets the sexy Clea DuVall. Lyonne is good value and drag artist RuPaul is fun as the butch camp counsellor whose job it is to straighten the kids out. However, the initial spoofing of gay culture loses its edge after too many compromises, with the result that the film turns into a toothless sitcom-style plea for tolerance.

Time Out

The aptly misleading title (the theme is flawed assumptions) refers to the refusal of teenage golden girl Megan... Read more on www.timeout.com

Halliwell's Film Guide

Camp camp comedy likely to enjoy a cult following among gays, but too obvious to provide more than a few laughs.

See all 6 Critics Reviews »

Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsdon't know why I love it, but I do

Jennifer from Barnsley, England , 12/02/2004

I'm not sure what I liked best about this film: the kitchy, camp opening where Megan's family and friends decide that vegerianism and not enjoying being kissed by the world's sloppiest kisser are obvious signs of Megan's homosexuality; the OTT-ness of RuPaul teaching a group of boys to be butch while eyeing up the guy in the short shorts; or the beautiful, sensitive way in which Megan and Graham's realtionship is realised and consumated. Whichever it is, this film is funny, sweet and camp as hell. My only regret is that the joke would probably be missed by the people who need to hear it the most.

  12 out of 14 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsVery Enjoyable

MissTA from Sussex , 08/02/2005

I would have steered clear of this movie if I hadn't read the review thinking that it was another high school flick. However, it's original & thoroughly enjoyable.

Parents of homosexual kids stick them all together at some 50's or is it 70's (?) style camp in an attempt to "cure" them-as if putting them all together is going to work?? And the comedy ensues. Fun, whatever your sexual orientation.

  11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsFunny idealogy

shove from Oxon , 10/05/2004

Having watched this as the other half’s choice, I was dubious about his reasoning for choosing it, hehehe, but as it turns out this film has much more to offer than an eye-catching title for those “interested” in cheerleading and the kudos you could assume would be associated with it.

Based on the idea that “straight is great” and homosexuality is something those less liberal feel can be “fixed”, this film is a direct “speak to the hand, cos the face aint listening” moment in cinematic film making. Whilst on the surface it may seem a bit gimmicky, a bit quirky and wrapped in 50’s kitsch, the message it delivers is superb and undeniably spot on – they aint broke and they don’t need fixing.

Watch it, it terms of cheese, it is definitely a cheddar rather than a brie, it’s not soft, and it isn’t French.

  8 out of 9 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsRehab for gay kids! Brilliant!

JKmoviebuff from London , 14/11/2003

Here is a film with originality and wicked sense of humour. "But I'm a Cheerleader" tells the tale of Megan, who as the title claims is a cheerleader living in the classic family, with the classic dreams - or are they!? Don't all girls hang images of their favourite stars and models in their school lockers??? She is sent to a rehab centre for gay kids who need to be straight again. It's like being an addict, there is a 12 step program and discussion groups! The sense of humour is hilarious! This movie has generally received great responses in film festivals! I would recommend it to anyone who knows how ludicrous the idea to make a gay kid straight is! Brilliant!

  8 out of 13 people found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 2 starsSharp and entertaining

KatiReeve from Northants , 29/06/2005

This was one of those films I'd been meaning to see for ages and when I finally got round to it, it was almost worth the wait.

It starts out as a sharp black comedy and descends into typical teen film cliches (although here it's girl meets girl!) but, thanks to engaging performances from a talented cast, it remains entertaining throughout.

If you liked this, check out the more recent 'Saved'.

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 3 starsnot sure but funny

kerry thomson from edinburgh , 23/10/2005

not sure why i found this film funny, as the first 20 mins were not to good had a slow start.

once i got it to it and realised its really just a film to take the piss out of people who really think being gay is something that can be cured the thought is funny. has an ok ending gets the point across whilst being quite funny at the same time. dont rent it thinking its going to be fantastic it isnt but it is worth a laugh on friday night with ur pals or partner. right im off to camp ...... NOT (u will get that once uve seen the film).

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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