If there's one movie that always leaves me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart, it's But I'm a Cheerleader. Premiering in 1999, But I'm a Cheerleader is one of the funniest satires I've seen, and being that it was the first lesbian movie I ever saw, it did leave an imprint in the good ol' bag of lesbian nostalgia-dom.
Feelings aside however, But I'm a Cheerleader is a very good romantic comedy. The acting leaves a little to be desired, but it is still pretty entertaining to watch. From the seasoned lesbian/gay man who can laugh at gay jokes to the coming out of the closet person who can kinda begin to see that maybe being gay isn't all that terrible, the sexual innuendoes and the setting full of stereotypes is one that anyone can enjoy.
Plot
The movie is about Megan, a girl-next door, apple pie making, cheerleader who is sent to True Directions, an center that turns gays into ex-gays, after her friends and family conclude that she must be a lesbian. She does have all the signs - a poster of Melissa Ethridge, doesn't eat meat, has a flowery pillow, and doesn't like kissing her boyfriend. While she originally protests being gay, hence the "but I'm a cheerleader!" part, once at True Directions she does come to realize and admit to her true feelings. The rest of the movie centers around her, her romantic interest, and the other kids at the center while they attempt to convert, subvert, or run away from True Directions.
The movie pokes light hearted fun at the idea of conversion therapy, stereotypes, and closed minded adults, all of which adds to the charm of the film.
Characters
All the characters in the film add a special, unique flavor to the movie. While each person does represent one stereotype or another, they are all lovable and you feel for each of the teens in the move. The relationships between the characters are also heartwarming and positive, for the most part. While there are a couple times where I did get annoyed by the protagonist, her actions do remind you that people are flawed and at times ridiculous.
Setting
One of the things that stands out when watching the movie, is the use of color in the setting. Most of the colors related to the gay teens are so bright and vibrant, which stands in stark contrast to the background and attire of the parents in the film, and the world outside of True Directions. This sharp contrast brings a tone of surrealism to the film that make the events in the movie that much more believable to the audience.
But I'm a Cheerleader is definitely a positive lesbian movie for a person of any age, particularly teens. It is funny, heartwarming, and charming. Unlike many of the other films that end in tragedy or disgrace, this movie ends with a sense of hope for the future.
