But I'm a Cheerleader (2000)

In those ugly old Conservative days, "gender ID conversion camps" healed people from homosexuality by encouraging them to disavow their love interests. In today's "liberal" world view, "gender ID conversion camps" STILL heal people from homosexuality by encouraging them to disavow their bodies. Same BS new contexts!!

I agree with some of the other reviewers who say that "But I'm a Cheerleader" sure had the look of a John Waters film. Part of this, of course, is because Mink Stole (a regular in Waters films) is in this movie. But most is because of the film's extremely non-subtle and cartoony way of dealing with homosexuality and repression.The film is about a high school girl whose family decides (for totally insane reasons) that she's gay and they surprise her by sending her to a camp that vows to 'straighten her out'. Cathy Moriarty runs the place and uses a wide variety of insane techniques to change the kids' sexual orientations--with silly and predictable results.Some potential viewers would not surprisingly be put off by the pro-gay message--though I really think the people who made this film probably couldn't care less about these folks. However, some folks who would embrace the message might also be put off by the sexual tone of the film. While I strongly disagree with the MPAA's original decision to rate the film NC-17, it is still a film that earns an R rating and is not appropriate for all audiences. A good film--just a rather adult one. Subtle it ain't--enjoyable it is.

This movie, But I'm a Cheerleader is geared for those 16 and older. I don't believe movies should tell us whether or homosexuality is/is not acceptable but this movie does educate us into acceptance. I think the movie could reduce the amount of pink (you are not color blind unless you miss the pink). Way too much pink. The you got the bad thought shocker, The movie set contains vivid solid colors, most pink though. All the pink elicits a humorous mood to the story. No matter who we are in this world, we each have our little something to offer and we each should be accepted by each other. Maybe, that is the ultimate lesson of this movie is acceptance, not just from others but ourselves as well. We are who we are and shouldn't be asked to change what is not in our nature. It is kind of like trying to get a fish not to swim. It's okay for a short movie, they could have shorten 15 minutes. I give this movie three thumbs up.

MPAA rating for this film is lousy and way off base, as usual. But hey what do you expect from a bunch of 40 to 60yo, when this should be reviewed by 25 to 35yo.s I would have ratted this film somewhere between PG13, and R. Get real people, the stuff depicted in this film is actually much cleaner than anything you would see in a sex ed video in jr. high. Plus kids are much more aware of gays and lesbians in society than most people think, and they should be educated about same sex unions in the same class on opposite sex unions, it just makes sense. I would highly recommend this film to anyone. the frivolity of it all is very nice simple and straight forward. two thumbs way up. Now we just need a film about transsexuality for jr high school kids and we will be all set.