But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)'s comments

Do you want to let us know what you think? Just login, after which you will be redirected back here and you can leave your comments.

Matt Addis

The most John Waters film that’s not a John Waters film

2 years 2 months ago

Houston

quote:
Joel: What about foreplay?
Mary: Foreplay is for sissies! Real men go in, unload and pull out!

12 years 1 month ago

There's no question that the conversion therapy school in But I'm a Cheerleader is a cringy mockery of such programs, but there's a lot of truth under the satire - in particular the logical gymnastics used to find the root cause of one's homosexuality, and the threat of homelessness in case one "washes out". Natasha Lyonne is a good Christian girl who never really thought she might be gay, but once she's exposed to other gay kids (among them a show-stealing Clea DuVall), things become clearer. Director Jamie Babbit has fun with the look of the picture, painting Lyonne's family in anachronistic 1950s fashions, and the walls of the school in "gender-appropriate" blocks of solid color. And then there's all the accidental homoeroticism that puts you in the kids' heads and draw out all the chuckles. It's often silly, but doesn't shy away from bitter truths. It's not 1999 anymore, and "hiding it" isn't necessarily the only option for gay teens, but that really depends on your family situation and community. But I'm a Cheerleader is probably still a useful primer for understanding what LGBTQ+ teens are going through.

1 year 1 month ago

Mudskipper

mmm yes good movie

11 years 5 months ago

pegs404

This movie really stands the test of time. It's fairly lighthearted and sweet, but its darker message shines through all the same. A must-watch where LGBT+ coming-of-age stories are concerned.

3 years 8 months ago