But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) User Reviews

NOT your usual angst-ridden coming out film...

[TuckMN · 8/10 · 28 July 2000]

This is a completely different take on any 'coming out' movie I have ever seen - but with RuPaul as a former homosexual turned 'conversion therapist,' it would pretty much have to be!

Mink Stole is delightfully smarmy as Amanda's (Natasha Lyonne) mother who sends Amanda the cheerleader to 'True Directions' a homosexual deprogramming camp - camp being the key word - mostly based on the fact that she doesn't like her quarterback boyfriend's extremely wet and sloppy kisses and (heaven forbid!) she has a poster of Melissa Etheridge in her bedroom.

The camp is a wonderful, non-stop visual joke.

The girl's bathroom has literally thousands of daisies attached to the walls. Their bedroom is a riot of pink satin, ribbons and lace worthy of Mae West.

The girls have to wear pink uniforms and do housework; the boys are in blue and have to learn to chop wood, work on cars and learn football. Watching RuPaul work on a car is worth the price of admission alone.

Each of the kids has a 'root,' - the reason they became gay: ranging from 'a traumatic bris' to 'my mother got married in pants.'

Larry and Lloyd (Richard Moll and Wesley Mann, respectively) are priceless as two of the first clients of True Direction and are now self described ex-ex-gays. They rescue kids via the 'underground homo railroad' with the message 'that no matter who you are, be yourself.'

They are an absolute delight.

The final 'graduation scene' which wraps up the film very nicely is a real gem - I didn't know they made lavender fatigues!

There were some real standout performances - Dante Basco as Dolph and Clea DuVall as Graham deserve special recognition.

Don't run out as soon as the credits start rolling: There is one last scene that seals this film with just the perfect touch.

Campy on Purpose

[AyngelKaimus · 8/10 · 9 January 2005]

Incredible social commentary. Yes, It's a little campy, but it's all supposed to be that way. It's an amusing look at attempting to 'rehab" homosexuals with therapy and "finding their roots". Great acting all around, excellent writing.

Personally, it was the subtle things that did it for me. Mary's son was funny, and the cut-outs (just pay attention to the boys' lessons) were Hilarious. I thought it was a great tongue-in-cheek way of saying "okay, this is stupid, we need to let them be" for the gay community.

If you're in the mood for a lot of laughing, and RuPaul out-of-drag to boot, rent this one.

Worth a Look

[maxwell46112 · 8/10 · 26 October 2005]

I was fortunate enough to catch "But I'm a Cheerleader" last night, and I must say the only thing that bothered me was the fact that I hadn't stumbled upon it sooner.

Megan Bloomfield is a beautiful blonde, who seems to have the life that every girl has once dreampt of. She is a popular cheerleader, dating the captain of the football team. All seems well until she arrives home from school one day. Megan's family and friends confront her, and in classic Intervention fashion proceed to tell her what they KNOW to be the truth: That she is a repressed lesbian. She is sent into a "Rehab" program ran by "Reformed" gays and lesbians. What could possibly go wrong?

I believe it is worth mentioning that this film has an early John Waters feel to it. Mink Stole, who has been in every John Waters movie beginning in 1966, plays the role of Megan's Mother Nancy.

If campy humor and love catch your eye, check it out. It might make you think a little, and it's sure to give you a few laughs.

"5,6,7,8, god is good, god is straight!"

[ashisthegal · 20 December 2003]

SPOILER: This movie definitely doesn't have as much recognition as it deserves.

I absolutely love this movie. I appreciate its comedy, and its love story, and the valuable lesson it tries to get across its audience: Just Be Yourself!

This movie is about a typical teenage girl named Megan Bloomfield living in a suburban neighborhood. She's got is all, looks, popularity, the jock boyfriend, and also, she's head cheerleader! But there is something odd about this girl that no one can put their finger on. Why does she seem so disinterested in making out with her boyfriend? Why does she have pictures of girls in her locker? Why does she eat TOFU? There must be only one answer: She's totally, 100%...GAY! It's the only reason for the way she's behaving, so off her parents force her to go, to a rehab camp called True Directions for Gay People. Six weeks in this place and you come out straight as a pin, they claim.

Going in, Megan doesn't think she's gay, but it only takes her a few days to think otherwise. Soon she is doing all the exercises to make herself normal again.

Then she meets bad girl lesbian Graham Eaton, a girl that shares a room with her. Well at first, the two hate each other, but then soon afterwords, become friends. Graham tells her that no one can change who you are, but Megan is determined to graduate. Suddenly, the relationship between the two of them becomes more than friends, and Megan realizes she wants to be with Graham, and it doesn't matter what anyone else says, she will always be Megan, head cheerleader, and lesbian.

Not Bad....

[bronzesrv · 6/10 · 18 November 2018]

Even though the subject matter of the movie was serious, it dealt with it in a comical absurd way. The movie was very funny, not an Oscar movie of course. But at the end of the day it boils down to being proud of Who You Are ! You'll be accepted by some rejected by others. I really enjoyed seeing Richard mole in this movie he's most famously known as the character Bull on Night Court. It was really cute and funny to see a "softer" side of him LOL!

*SPOILERS* Excellent fare for all genders and orientations.

[Pierre_D · 7/10 · 6 February 2004]

I got this movie on the advice of a lesbian friend, and I said "what the hey" and rented it tonight.

I didn't really know what to expect but the movie is sensational. Natasha Lyonne was picture-perfect as the bemused cheerleader who keeps thinking of boobs, girls jumping up and down and more girls as her football player boyfriend tries to tongue her to death.

RuPaul made me die...D-I-E I say as the leader of True Directions...his shirt "Straight is Great", made me fall off my chair when I first saw it.

The characters are all very believable and are varying degrees of likeable.

The "curing" process is also hilarious but sad at the same time, as first they must admit to their "illness", then go into gender typing, practice sex with the opposite sex and totally banish thoughts of same-sex actions...this leads to some hilarious moments, especially with the lawnmower man and RuPaul's boys (in blue, girls in pink) and with the self-made electroshock therapy for the girls...

The attraction between Megan and Graham starts awkwardly but blossoms...until Graham decides she would rather go to college than be honest...but then again the film is realistic in this, as gays and lesbians the world over probably do suppress themselves to advance and get what they need at times.

The ending is fantastic, touching, and heartwarming.

It's not really a movie about gays and lesbians, it's a movie about letting people make their choices and be happy with them.

And that deserves 5 stars in my book.

cute, fun, and meaningful

[spooky_trix · 10/10 · 3 November 2000]

well instead of being philosophical and talk about the obvious political messages of this great film, i'll just review it.

I thought that it was perfectly overacted, beautifully filmed, wonderfully funny, and very meaningful. Its unusual to see a comedy that makes you think. This is probably my favorite gay themed film of all time, finally surpassing RHPS.

There was no one outstanding scene, every scene was surreal and hilarious. from mink stole getting upset that her daughter eats tofu to rock getting sexy with a rake.

There was lots of great romantic and fun parts particuarly between grahm and meghan.

go rent it asap! its the best movie made in a long time.

9 out of 10, could've used some less stereotypical guys, but the range of different types of lesbians makes up for this.

Good-hearted, but not hilarious

[gizmomogwai · 6/10 · 3 November 2013]

But I'm a Cheerleader is a movie with an intriguing premise, a dissection of the total absurdity of the ex-gay movement and broader issues of the harsh face of religious fundamentalism. It's also the kind of movie bound to become a cult favourite. I say it's intriguing even though I'm a straight male. The comedy is about Megan, a cheerleader baffled when her family and "friends" spring an intervention on her, to address her suspected lesbianism. They have stupid reasons (she's a vegetarian), but it is true she's more interested in the female form than kissing her boyfriend- they're right. Megan is sent to camp designed to "cure" homosexuals, but falls in love with another girl, Graham.

The movie, while cute and colourful with a lot of good points, isn't exactly hilarious as a comedy. There are a few snickers here and there, but nothing major. There's also not a lot of eroticism, in spite of being about lesbianism- that's not what this movie is for. Mainly, it's more of a message movie, espousing values of tolerance, honesty, and love. There's some refuting stereotypes, even though it was stereotypes that led to Megan's family correctly detecting she's gay.

On a side note, this movie was also subjected to a ridiculous NC-17 rating, for a scene where Megan masturbates- but it's through her clothes, we see *nothing*. This came the same year American Pie (and its trailer) featured a teenage boy having sex with a pie. The double standard is appalling, evidence of either homophobia or a disgust with female pleasure. Ultimately, this movie fell victim to the old attitudes it's trying to address.

A must rental for a guaranteed laugh, especially if you're gay!

[jentb · 9/10 · 16 September 2001]

For anyone who grew up or is growing up gay in middle-America or just about all of America, get ready to return to the most twisted version of your high school years and laugh till you're pink in the face. But, I'm a Cheerleader is one of the best gay themed movies to date. It is certainly one of the best comedies. Sort of a Jeffrey turned female high school cheerleader meets John Waters with only the best qualities of each.

I only wish this film had been available when I was a high school senior nearly fifteen years ago. It could have saved me thousands of dollars a year in therapy! If you are gay, and especially young or dealing with coming out at any age either to yourself and/or to others please go rent this movie. This is one of the only films I've seen which shows you can have a wonderful life and be happy and be loved and be gay.

Delightful romance that spoofs gay "healing"

[ddiehl-2 · 7/10 · 6 September 2000]

What a delightful look at teenage angst and teenage romance! While the production values won't be eliciting any Oscars, this light comedy treats a very serious subject with enough honesty to keep the audience interested. The denials and trials of coming out in the face of caustic parental guidance form the theme of this movie; its barely masked underbelly questions what love really is. When parents exile their children and then try to blame the break in the relationship on their gay children's choice instead of on their own, the strong children choose honesty--and in this case, a sweet love that make you want to leave the theater holding hands.

Cute Teen Lesbian Sex Comedy Lite

[hokeybutt · 4/10 · 23 August 2004]

Okay little comedy... has its heart in the right place... but it doesn't quite work. Interesting premise of a good teenage Catholic girl who gets sent to a re-programming camp because her parents and friends think she is a... gasp... lesbian! Of course, the camp itself is run by a bunch of extreme closet-cases (Cathy Moriarty, RuPaul Charles), the most normal people in the film are the gay and lesbian people who refuse to give in the pressure and be who they want to be. A nice lesson and all... and the movie is certainly better than your average teen comedy... but, while gently amusing, it doesn't bust out into a full-blown comic triumph. Natasha Lyonne does nice work as the oblivious teen who comes to accept her sexuality even as everyone around her is trying to subvert it. Her romance with a fellow camp mate threatens both their chances at "graduation"... when it comes down to it will they both do the right thing and follow their hearts? Oh, I can't spoil it for ya...

An exceptionally remarkable eye-opening film on adolescent soul

[wm28 · 9/10 · 18 March 2009]

To many viewers this is probably not much more than a well-made, feel-good satirical comedy about teenage homosexuality and adult homophobia mixed with some heart-warming moments, and indeed it serves that function of somewhat superficial entertainment well. But it is a lot more than that. If you watch carefully, this is an incredibly honest, revealing and touchingly sensitive film on teenage identity crisis and identity search interacting with social influences. It tells you more than any psychology book could tell on adolescence, because one cannot put all that into words. Natasha Lyonne as 17 year old Megan (the heroine of the story) demonstrates amazing qualities of acting in a role which is probably the most demanding any actor or actress can face: that of a changing adolescent personality re-discovering one's inner, formerly suppressed unconscious self over two months, while still remaining herself in a way. If you compare her different faces at different phases of the story, e.g. when she "just cannot think of anything" at the camp, and when she looks into the bathroom mirror much later in the film washing her teeth, you will see what I mean. If you are not distracted by hilariously funny bits and jokes and you do not consider poor acting by Cathy Moriarty, it is in fact a top quality drama made superbly. Intimate conversations between the two leading actors (Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall) tell more in one minute of this film about life than most movie star celebrities do throughout their whole career. Natasha Lyonne should have received an Oscar for this as best actress, and she should have been offered leading roles in less superficial films than "American Pie". A talent wasted. Her performance in this film is an extraordinary achievement and a very touching experience for anyone sensitive enough to resonate to it. I highly recommend it for re-watching it several times: you will not get bored if you are attentive enough.

Candy-coloured Satire

[pestacular · 7/10 · 18 July 2022]

It's something of a refreshing delight to see queer characters presented as a diverse group of complicated people while straight folks are being satirized. Their safe, dark coloured clothing and serious personalities are a stark contrast to the bright colours and vivid personas of the conversion camp teens, and it's clear to me why so many of my fellow queer friends in high school mentioned this movie as one of their favourites. I hope LGBT+ representation in cinema gets a bit more complex than this as time goes on, but I also hope it remains about as strange and individualistic as this movie was.

This movie might change your life...

[Autlan · 5/10 · 20 November 2008]

Digging this movie out of the bargain bucket was like prising the lid off a mottled honey jar only to find the finest, most succulent nectar inside. I rediscovered so many feelings I'd suppressed since I first experienced this, in the theatre. I did feel slightly guilty, watching this sort of picture with my partner; feeling my emotion blossom, much like it did back back in those less inhibited days. But, by the end of the movie I was certain sharing this experience was the most precious thing I could've done. The similarities to my own life experiences were painted high, for all to see. Feelings of nausea every time I had to watch two Heteroes kiss. Uneasiness around the male members of the cast. The delight I'd feel watching a group of cheerleaders bouncing around. Warm gooey feelings every time those beautiful young women celebrated their loveliness with a delicate on-screen embrace. The electricity of smooth, smooth, soft, wet kisses. It was too much. Still euphoric from seeing my life flash before my eyes in this dreamy fashion, I seized the moment and informed the wife that I might be a gay lesbian.

I'd always dreaded telling her my dark secret, but I was amazed at how easy it was to come clean. I almost felt cheated by her light hearted laughter. Of relief, joy? Wait, did she think I was joking? I told her this face was serious. She only laughed harder. Far more serious than the poker face I might wear on a Friday night to fool the guys into thinking I was one of them. She was near hysterics. Only one course of action could remedy this situation. She was starting to upset me. Just a little. I felt strong and emboldened as I wobbled over to the window, heaved it open, took a fresh breath and aired my secret to the neighbours, "I'M a LESBIAN! AND I'M PROUD!"

There were some adjustments at first, but I can honestly say our relationship is stronger than ever. There's a lot more to being a lesbian than I ever dreamt. It may seem silly, but I can NOT recommend this movie enough. You might be living a lie without even knowing it.

Satiric delight

[mermatt · 27 July 2000]

This film is a biting and hilarious parody of people who not only force themselves into artificial molds but also feel the to make other people fit the same stereotypical molds. The main attack of the satire is on the delusion that homosexuals can be cured by people who are themselves repressed homosexuals.

Deliciously silly victorian roles of males and females are superimposed on the teenagers who struggle not to be who they really are. But the garishly-colored costumes of the 1950's "Father Knows Best" and "Leave It To Beaver" style are as incongruous as the fake role-playing. In the end, at least some of the young victims of this cruelty escape to face a life of being themselves.

Juvenile, yet funny

[alanjj · 6/10 · 3 July 2000]

I would probably have loved this movie if I were 18--gay or straight. There's lot's of funny stuff in it, and it's played very broadly. I laughed a lot, but found it finally tedious. It was great seeing Cathy Moriarty in such a high-camp role. She was the best thing in the movie, other than a couple of hunky guys. RuPaul looked great as a guy.

Cult Comedy Status

[johnnyhbtvs27 · 7/10 · 5 January 2022]

So you run like, the underground homo railroad?

Endlessly quotable comedy with an all star 90s cast like Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, Michelle Williams, Melanie Lynskey, Cathy Moriarty, even a funny turn from RuPaul.

Underrated 90s comedy.

Not your usual love story!

[xtremeguy · 10/10 · 6 February 2008]

But I'm A Cheerleader was a great look at what Hollywood rarely looks at. Gays. It was a beautiful and funny movie with a great cast. Jamie Babbit Directed her young cast brilliantly and the cast should be commended on the believability of their characters. Each actor and actress really becomes the role. Admititly it is not without its drawbacks. Some of the scenes went to fast and we were not able to soak in the jokes. In some scenes the actors who payed the gay men did over act their roles a bit but i suppose they had to. Really needs two viewings to appreciate it more. Also anyone who does not get moved by 'that cheer' must be made of stone. A great movie for anyone in the closet or anyone just looking for a good feel-good-movie.

Congratulations, liars! You know who you are and you know who you want. Ain't nothing' gonna change that, shite!

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 6 June 2008]

Focus on the Family is in Orlando this week with big billboards promoting conversion therapy for gays and lesbians. Despite research by the American Psychological Association and other mental-health organizations, they continue to demonize those born with a different sexual orientation.

That is the thrust of this film, a comedy, which certainly gives plenty of laughs at those who run a center for "repairing" those who are different. I cannot imagine how they could have made the leaders of this group look more ridiculous. The parents portrayed are just plain ignorant. You can't blame them for falling for the canard that sexual orientation is something to be "cured." Underneath that story is the pain of the children that are forced into these centers by well-meaning parents. Megan (Natasha Lyonne of American Pie and Scary Movie) has no clue that she is a lesbian. The fact that she is a vegetarian and doesn't like the way her boyfriend kisses is enough for her parents. She is sent off to be cured without having a clue as to what she is to be cured of.

Graham, played by Clea DuVall ("Carnivàle", The Grudge, Girl, Interrupted), and Megan are attracted to each other. Graham has no doubts about who she is, but is repressing to please her parents. Love wins out in the end, however, in this campy comedy with a message.

A John Waters Film, Not by John Waters

[StevePulaski · 8/10 · 3 July 2010]

Rating: 3/4 stars.

Heres a movie that depicts a softcore John Waters like style. It's a brave movie, discussing the topic many feel either uncomfortable talking about or just is an awkward topic many don't understand. It's homosexuality. This movie is for homosexually, but many people in the film treat it as a cancer to a person. Its unnatural, unwanted, and not understanding in this world. My view on homosexuality is that people can be however they want. If you find someone you love that loves you back you're the luckiest person in the world. It doesn't matter the sex as long as you're happy with what you have. Period.

Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyone) is considered gay by her family, friends, and classmates. She's a cheerleading captain, has a picture of Melissa Etheridge, she fantasizes about cheerleaders when kissing her boyfriend, and she is a vegetarian. Oh yeah, she's gay! Better get her looked at. Just by the mild things she is accused of you can tell being homosexual is really frowned upon in this world. Her parents ship her to Teen Directions, a place run by a strict leader, Mary Brown (Cathy Moriarty) and where they teach kids to stay in the closet and be the way "God meant".

In Teen Directions, Megan meets Graham Eaton (Clea DuVall), a girl who comes from wealthy parents who threaten to disown her is she doesn't become straight. She refuses to change at the same time afraid to live a life as a lesbian without any trouble. So naturally, Megan and Graham become attached to each other and the rest can be picked out.

This film is more about homosexuality, it too teaches gender roles of both male and female. In the four step program in the film, Step 2 is "Step 2: Rediscovering Your Gender Identity" where both sides take on tasks of being a male or female to try and focus on their job reminding them what their role is in life. Though this only makes Graham and Megan hang out and get more and more attached. So it just helps matter rather than solves.

This movie is a hard one to explain because of the unusual plot and so much there needs to be said. I can go on for an hour to describe what morals and themes are found within But I'm a Cheerleader!, but some are major than others. I believe I covered the major points in this film and figure that I picked the key points of the film. All in all, it's a great movie, and Natasha Lyone plays a perfect protagonist, being not to bright, but kind hearted which is enough to expect out of the lead female role. Also, perfect musical soundtrack here as well. Excellent, catchy music that fits well to not only the tone, but the vibe and feel of the story as well. Just by the opening credit song (my favorite, April March's "Chick Habit") I knew it would be a great film.

Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Cathy Moriarty, RuPaul, and Clea DuVall. Directed by: Jamie Babbit.

A great dark comedy

[lostdave · 7/10 · 31 July 2002]

This movie is almost an homage to John Waters. It has the same feel and off center take on things. Very funny and well worth your time. Warning: if you are a serious homophobe, this movie is likely to make you uncomfortable. At least that was the reaction a friend of mine had after watching it. But that aside, my full endorsement. 7/10 rating

A well made, but camp and vapid film.

[rmt38 · 2/10 · 15 July 2002]

While there are many potentially interesting and involving storylines that might be derived from the concept of a cheerleader not thinking she was gay, but her family and friends thinking she was and sending her off to a correction camp - this isn't one of them. What it is, is a disinteresting and camp c-grade movie - at best.

On the bright side, it isn't badly made - the acting and production have resulted in a quality product (ignoring the storyline) especially considering it doesn't even attempt to be anything other than what it is.

Great social commentary piece...

[jimmyplm · 10/10 · 15 November 2000]

My gay best friend and I watched this movie together recently. I found it to be quite a funny and touching film. It played on all the typical gay stereotypes, while also discrediting them. I found it to be highly enjoyable. There were some genuinely comic moments to be found here. Everyone (gay, straight, bi, or whatever) can get a pleasant laugh out of this movie. Don't miss out on it just because of its controversial subject matter. A+

I'm a Homonym

[Cineanalyst · 7/10 · 30 July 2021]

I've said it before and will again: I love a good movie based on a pun. The central premise of "But I'm a Cheerleader" is playing with the two (or more) different definitions of a single word, to put the camp in its story of a conversion-therapy camp. It's quite a consistent commitment to exaggerated irony and gaudy bright colors. I prefer this to something that, pardon the phrasing (or not--I don't care), plays the subject of conversion therapy straight--"For the Bible Tells Me So" (2007), "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" or "Boy Erased" (both 2018). The light humor helps the medicine of the message go down--especially so if you don't need any converting to the fact that conversion therapy is bunk. Nevertheless, hard to argue such a message wasn't needed when homophobia seems the plausible explanation for why something this non-explicit required cuts to a avoid an NC-17 rating.

The camp also adds another layer of affectation to the reflexive notion of actors-playing-actors, as their homosexual characters pretend to convert to heterosexuality. There's a couple especially funny gags based on this. The first involves Natasha Lyonne's titular cheerleader ironically only being coaxed out of the closet by the intervention of her family and friends trying to turn her straight. The first paradoxical step here to attraction to the opposite sex being admitting, "I'm a homosexual," as if it were Alcoholics Anonymous. The second and briefer bit involves the most seemingly stereotypical lesbian member of the camp, who in fact isn't a lesbian at all, but is forced by the camp to pretend she is. Hilarious that the only straight kid at the camp doesn't graduate it.

The boys side of the camp is but a subplot here, but it's also amusing that drag queen RuPaul plays their "ex-gay" counselor Mike. Michelle Williams, on the other hand, still in her pre-acclaimed actress, "Dawson's Creek" days, is underused. "But I'm a Cheerleader" only stumbles a bit when it inevitably moves from playing everything as a joke to taking discrimination seriously, but it does about as well as may be expected in maintaining a light and sweet tone during this otherwise tonal shift.

Wasted Opportunity

[gbheron · 3/10 · 14 November 2001]

Talk about a missed opportunity, "But I'm a Cheerleader" is one of the biggest of the last few years. The send-up is perfect; a high-school cheerleader is obviously a lesbian. It's obvious to everyone around her (family, boyfriend, fellow classmates), but not to her; she's clueless. How can she be a lesbian? She is, as the title states, a cheerleader, and they're not lesbians. Family and friends conduct an intervention and send the hapless young lady to a coed gay-deprogramming camp. So far so good, the stage is set for some hard-punching satire. Unfortunately the director and screenwriters are not up to it. Instead they opt for "Police Academy" level potty humor, tired offensive stereotypes, terrible scripting, lousy directing..you name it, and it stinks. The film self-destructs after the first 20 minutes, and becomes an insulting waste of time. Too bad.