Rating: Summary: A lighthearted and fun look at a controversial subject Review: This 1999 comedy is lightweight, but it tackles a unique theme for Hollywood, that of a "re-education" school for gay teenagers. Starring Natasha Lyonne as a high school cheerleader whose family and friends have identified as gay, she is hustled off to "True Directions" where something like a 12-step program is offered. The film is a fun romp, making fun of itself as well as homophobia by making all the characters stereotyped caricatures. In a brilliant bit of casting, RuPaul plays the role of a formerly gay instructor who tries to teach the boys how to act like "real men". I didn't recognize him until the credits rolled however because he is NOT in drag. This is, after all, a comedy, and it's best not to look too deeply for meaning.Like many other comedies, this is a one-joke situation. After the first 20 minutes, the film drags (no pun intended). Surprisingly, the acting is not bad. I particularly liked the performance of the young Clea DuVall, who also played a troubled teenager in Girl Interrupted. Cathy Moriarity, who made her acting debut in Raging Bull in 1980, played the role of owner of the school. She was always dressed in a bright pink suit, her hair was teased into a beauty parlor hairdo. Just looking at her in her perfect makeup was enough to bring out a chuckle. This was certainly not a great film; it wasn't supposed to be. It tried hard through and did grapple with a controversial subject in a lighthearted way. Certainly, it isn't for everyone. And so I give it a qualified recommendation.
Rating: Summary: A cheerleader and lots of camp go to an anti-gay camp Review: Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyonne) thinks she's the 'all-American' girl. After all, she's pretty, popular, has a boyfriend and also is a cheerleader.
So it honestly comes as a big surprise when she is declared a homosexual and sent to rehabilitation camp. Her parents and friends have used her vegetarian diet and musical taste in Melissa Ethridge to proactively decide that she 'must' be a lesbian. The audience also sees that she does not like kissing her boyfriend very much at the beginning of the film.
Right down to the sugary sweet sessions and obsession with strict gender roles, "True Directions" is a lampoon of 'ex gay' programs which gullible parents still send their kids to. Rupal, one of America's most famous drag queens, makes a hilarious cameo appearance as 'Mike'.
Far from 'curing' Megan of her sexuality, this program actually strengthens her conviction that it is how society views them and not the sexuality itself which actually is unhealthy.
During the counseling sessions, the founder Mary (hilariously played by Cathy Moriaty) actually suggests that people are turning to homosexuality only because they do not understand proper gender roles and/or might have lived through the experience of a mother working outside the home.
Megan does manage to find love at this camp. She meets Graham (Clea DuVall) who does not even attempt to follow the "True Directions" program.
Since her own parents will literally kill her if she remains a lesbian, Graham represents conscious political resistance in this otherwise homophobic environment because she is comfortable with who she is and recognizes the program is garbage.
The relationship between Meghan and Graham is sweeet.
Rating: Summary: The song Review: The song in the club is by Saint Etienne and it's called "We're in the city"
I love this movie, I really enjoyed it and I fell in love with Graham instantly. Was also reminded of Clea DuVall's great acting.
I just showed it to a bunch of friends today and they all loved it.
Rating: Summary: Name of that band??? Review: Does anyone know the name of the band that was playing that song while Megan and Graham slow danced (with other people) at the club called Cocksuckers? If you have any info let me know!
Rating: Summary: Boring Review: This was a really boring movie which we turned off after 20 minutes. Worst movie we have seen in a long time.
Rating: Summary: But I'm a Cheerleader Review: But I'm a Cheerleader~ Jamie Babbit is a very good movie about a female cheerleaders whom is a lesbian. Usually I hate these kind of movies since they are very preachy, serious over acting and other political statesments. I did not take it all that seriously and that made the movie much better. It is a great comedy that happens that have a lesbians and gays in it. The plot centers around Megan Bloomfield whom is a cheerleader whom is not like all the other girls. She has pinups in her locker and when she kisses her "boyfriend" she starts to think about her fellow cheerleaders. I find it to be an awesome and funny movie that never takes itself too seriously and that is a good thing in this case. This is a very good flick...
Rating: Summary: Pretty good Review: I am a fan of this movie, however the general lack of character development gets to me. They rely too much on stereotypes to make the personality of most of the characters, and the few characters that aren't stereotypical have very little personality.
The movie is enjoyable otherwise, despite the lack of personality. It does represent, to some extent, what GLBT teens have to go through. I'd reccomend it, but if you're in the mood for something that will leave you amazed, find something else.
Rating: Summary: it's a great film Review: this is one of my favorite films, yet I think that some of it is misunderstood by people who take things too literally. what I mean is, the stereotypes of the butch dyke, lipstick lesbian, prancing gay boys, is part of what makes it so funny because (at least my interpretation of it) the film is what I would call satirical. it's making fun of how everyone else in our society sees homosexuality, which is pretty funny because it's so pathetic that Americans can see a whole group of people as disgusting and unworthy.
alright, that's it. hope I helped.
Rating: Summary: Fabulous! Review: I thought this was a fun film. It was a promising comedy, however contrary to what the Editorial Review states "that goes awry too early", I think the film does deliver. The film deals with difficult subject matter and it does so with the finesse of a rubber chicken. "But I'm a Cheerleader" is a coming of age story with a twist. The acting is fantastic. Sure, sometimes the story is a little absurd, but it can't be any more absurd than real life bigotry and homophobia.
Outside of all the politically correct stuff, it is a good film about first love, being yourself and following your heart. I recommend it!
Rating: Summary: Don't even think about it Review: An absolute clunker, with nothing to redeem it except: a
snippet of Wanda Jackson singing " Funnel of Love ", and
the awareness that many of these actors have seen better
days...Natasha Lyonne ( " Slums of Beverly Hills " ), Clea
DuVall ( " A Girl Interrupted " ), Cathy Moriarty ( " Raging
Bull " ), Julie Delpy ( " Voyager " ), and Bud Cort ( " Harold
and Maude " ).
The five star reviews you'll find here were all written by
the director's relatives. This thing smells like a hamster's
diaper.
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