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BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER

By Chris Gore | July 8, 2000

Natasha Lyonne stars in the bizarre indie comedy “But I’m a Cheerleader” as Megan who’s just a regular girl. Or is she? She’s an enthusiastic high school cheerleader who has posters of women in her locker, she doesn’t really like to kiss her boyfriend and she likes Melissa Etheridge? You know what that means?! Megan must be — a lesbian! When Megan’s parents suspect that she might be “a lesbian” they send her away to be deprogrammed. She’s confused about her sexuality and is forced to join True Directions, kind of like rehab for homosexuals. It’s there that she meets Graham played by Clea DuVall. Meeting Graham puts all that confusion aside as Megan finds her true love in another woman and let’s her inner carpet-muncher shine. Now strangely, I found it very easy for me to identify with all the lesbians in the film, so, read into that what you will. This very Gay comedy is not exactly for everyone but it’s the only chance you may have to see Bud Cort and Mink Stole in great cameos, Cathy Moriarty as a homophobic counselor and RuPaul playing – (gasp) a man!
I enjoyed this lighthearted comedy, “But I’m a Cheerleader” is the kind of film that John Waters would have made years ago, it’s borderline offensive, yet heartwarming. It’s a Gay old time at the movies!

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