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IMDbPro

But I'm a Cheerleader

  • 1999
  • R
  • 1h 25m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
49K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,497
246
Natasha Lyonne in But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)
A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.
Play trailer2:12
2 Videos
95 Photos
Coming-of-AgeDark ComedyFeel-Good RomanceQuirky ComedyRomantic ComedySatireTeen ComedyTeen DramaTeen RomanceComedy

A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.A naive teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian.

  • Director
    • Jamie Babbit
  • Writers
    • Brian Peterson
    • Jamie Babbit
  • Stars
    • Natasha Lyonne
    • Clea DuVall
    • Michelle Williams
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    49K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,497
    246
    • Director
      • Jamie Babbit
    • Writers
      • Brian Peterson
      • Jamie Babbit
    • Stars
      • Natasha Lyonne
      • Clea DuVall
      • Michelle Williams
    • 248User reviews
    • 66Critic reviews
    • 39Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos2

    Official Trailer - Director's Cut
    Trailer 2:12
    Official Trailer - Director's Cut
    But I'm a Cheerleader
    Trailer 0:28
    But I'm a Cheerleader
    But I'm a Cheerleader
    Trailer 0:28
    But I'm a Cheerleader

    Photos95

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    Top cast76

    Edit
    Natasha Lyonne
    Natasha Lyonne
    • Megan
    Clea DuVall
    Clea DuVall
    • Graham
    Michelle Williams
    Michelle Williams
    • Kimberly
    Brandt Wille
    Brandt Wille
    • Jared
    Bud Cort
    Bud Cort
    • Peter
    Mink Stole
    Mink Stole
    • Nancy
    RuPaul
    RuPaul
    • Mike
    • (as RuPaul Charles)
    Katie Donahue
    • Cheerleader #1
    Danielle Rene
    • Cheerleader #2
    • (as Danielle Reneau)
    Cathy Moriarty
    Cathy Moriarty
    • Mary Brown
    Eddie Cibrian
    Eddie Cibrian
    • Rock
    Melanie Lynskey
    Melanie Lynskey
    • Hilary
    Katrina Phillips
    Katrina Phillips
    • Jan
    Katharine Towne
    Katharine Towne
    • Sinead
    Joel Michaely
    Joel Michaely
    • Joel
    Douglas Spain
    Douglas Spain
    • Andre
    Dante Basco
    Dante Basco
    • Dolph
    Kip Pardue
    Kip Pardue
    • Clayton
    • Director
      • Jamie Babbit
    • Writers
      • Brian Peterson
      • Jamie Babbit
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews248

    6.848.5K
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    Featured reviews

    sweetmarie9

    A great and very misunderstood movie

    So many people do not like this movie simply because they do not understand it. First of all, yes the movie is full of stereotypes, but that's the point. They're there to show how ridiculous these stereotypes really are and to show that in the end, you cannot change who you are, you just have to learn to accept it and get the people around you to accept you. Second, some stereotypes that I've heard people notice really weren't there. I don't think anywhere in the movie did they try to make Christians look stupid (hey, the homophobic Christians are pretty good at making themselves look stupid WITHOUT help). Okay maybe Megan's comment about "God is good, God is straight - hey that's pretty good," but still, I think sometimes people LOOK for something to be offended by. I think this movie does make fun of many straight people, who claim that gays are recruiting, when it is actually the other way around (as one can see by the existence of True Directions, and in the fact that when Megan asks them to teach her to be a lesbian, they tell her that they can't do that). All in all, this is a great movie and I really enjoyed it! As for people who didn't, hey, you're allowed to not like it, but if it is for reasons that really don't seem warranted, maybe you should give But I'm a Cheerleader another look.
    8StevePulaski

    A John Waters Film, Not by John Waters

    Rating: 3/4 stars.

    Heres a movie that depicts a softcore John Waters like style. It's a brave movie, discussing the topic many feel either uncomfortable talking about or just is an awkward topic many don't understand. It's homosexuality. This movie is for homosexually, but many people in the film treat it as a cancer to a person. Its unnatural, unwanted, and not understanding in this world. My view on homosexuality is that people can be however they want. If you find someone you love that loves you back you're the luckiest person in the world. It doesn't matter the sex as long as you're happy with what you have. Period.

    Megan Bloomfield (Natasha Lyone) is considered gay by her family, friends, and classmates. She's a cheerleading captain, has a picture of Melissa Etheridge, she fantasizes about cheerleaders when kissing her boyfriend, and she is a vegetarian. Oh yeah, she's gay! Better get her looked at. Just by the mild things she is accused of you can tell being homosexual is really frowned upon in this world. Her parents ship her to Teen Directions, a place run by a strict leader, Mary Brown (Cathy Moriarty) and where they teach kids to stay in the closet and be the way "God meant".

    In Teen Directions, Megan meets Graham Eaton (Clea DuVall), a girl who comes from wealthy parents who threaten to disown her is she doesn't become straight. She refuses to change at the same time afraid to live a life as a lesbian without any trouble. So naturally, Megan and Graham become attached to each other and the rest can be picked out.

    This film is more about homosexuality, it too teaches gender roles of both male and female. In the four step program in the film, Step 2 is "Step 2: Rediscovering Your Gender Identity" where both sides take on tasks of being a male or female to try and focus on their job reminding them what their role is in life. Though this only makes Graham and Megan hang out and get more and more attached. So it just helps matter rather than solves.

    This movie is a hard one to explain because of the unusual plot and so much there needs to be said. I can go on for an hour to describe what morals and themes are found within But I'm a Cheerleader!, but some are major than others. I believe I covered the major points in this film and figure that I picked the key points of the film. All in all, it's a great movie, and Natasha Lyone plays a perfect protagonist, being not to bright, but kind hearted which is enough to expect out of the lead female role. Also, perfect musical soundtrack here as well. Excellent, catchy music that fits well to not only the tone, but the vibe and feel of the story as well. Just by the opening credit song (my favorite, April March's "Chick Habit") I knew it would be a great film.

    Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Cathy Moriarty, RuPaul, and Clea DuVall. Directed by: Jamie Babbit.
    8maxwell46112

    Worth a Look

    I was fortunate enough to catch "But I'm a Cheerleader" last night, and I must say the only thing that bothered me was the fact that I hadn't stumbled upon it sooner.

    Megan Bloomfield is a beautiful blonde, who seems to have the life that every girl has once dreampt of. She is a popular cheerleader, dating the captain of the football team. All seems well until she arrives home from school one day. Megan's family and friends confront her, and in classic Intervention fashion proceed to tell her what they KNOW to be the truth: That she is a repressed lesbian. She is sent into a "Rehab" program ran by "Reformed" gays and lesbians. What could possibly go wrong?

    I believe it is worth mentioning that this film has an early John Waters feel to it. Mink Stole, who has been in every John Waters movie beginning in 1966, plays the role of Megan's Mother Nancy.

    If campy humor and love catch your eye, check it out. It might make you think a little, and it's sure to give you a few laughs.
    9jentb

    A must rental for a guaranteed laugh, especially if you're gay!

    For anyone who grew up or is growing up gay in middle-America or just about all of America, get ready to return to the most twisted version of your high school years and laugh till you're pink in the face. But, I'm a Cheerleader is one of the best gay themed movies to date. It is certainly one of the best comedies. Sort of a Jeffrey turned female high school cheerleader meets John Waters with only the best qualities of each.

    I only wish this film had been available when I was a high school senior nearly fifteen years ago. It could have saved me thousands of dollars a year in therapy! If you are gay, and especially young or dealing with coming out at any age either to yourself and/or to others please go rent this movie. This is one of the only films I've seen which shows you can have a wonderful life and be happy and be loved and be gay.
    HFenderchick

    Genius

    An acquaintance of mine saw this movie and told me, with a negative connotation, "that movie was about a bunch of lesbians!" This was a while ago and I had forgotten about the movie but I picked up the box at the rental store the other day and decided to make my own judgments. This story was a stroke of genius! A cheerleader who thinks she is straight, talked into being a lesbian by a bunch of people trying to make her straight, well, they talked her into the realization that she was, in fact,homosexual, although, I don't think I'd enjoy kissing Megan's boyfriend either, I thought he'd drown her in his salava.

    This movie was in the spirit of some John Waters' films I hold close to my heart. Mink Stole (Cry-Baby) must smell a great movie from a mile away. The casting was great. Cathy Moriarty was so funny as the spokesperson for the kind of "normalcy" preached in the 1950's. RuPaul was hilarious as the reformed closet homosexual, Julie Delpy (Before Sunrise) proves again to be the mysterious and beautiful European type character. Lastly, but most importantly, Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall. These two women, who are spectacular actors in themselves, had strong and intense chemistry. Their portrayals of Megan and Graham were up to perfection and I truly believed in their characters, in short, they just really got me.

    This movie is perfect for anyone who wants to see two people, who were meant for each other, overcoming obstacles to be together. And their obstacles were hilarious. I almost died during the "sexual simulation"

    "You know who you are and you know who you want. Aint nothin' gonna change that, s***!" Everyone should have a friend like Andre.

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The song that Rock is dancing to is "Party Train" by RuPaul (Mike).
    • Goofs
      When the pickup truck is pulling away in the last scene, a larger truck pulling the pickup can be seen through the tree and even hitting branches of the tree.
    • Quotes

      Hilary: It's really easy to be a prude when you're not attracted to him, isn't it?

    • Alternate versions
      The version that ran in theaters had the Lion's Gate logo, then the Fine Line logo, and then the credit: "Fine Line Features presents." This wasn't changed in time, as a deal with Fine Line and the film's production company fell through. On the DVD release the Lion's Gate logo appears and then there is a new credit: "Lion's Gate Films presents." No mention of Fine Line appears.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: The Kid/Blood Simple: The Director's Cut/But I'm a Cheerleader/Scary Movie/Shower (2000)
    • Soundtracks
      Chick Habit
      (Laisse Tomber les Filles)

      Music by Serge Gainsbourg

      French lyrics by Serge Gainsbourg

      English lyrics by April March

      Performed by April March

      Published by Yé Yé Music (BMI)

      ©1964 Bagatelle S.A. (transferred to Sidonic Publishing)

      Courtesy of Ideal Records

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    FAQ22

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    • Where can I buy the soundtrack?
    • Chapter Headings, a semi - official version:

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 21, 2024 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Lionsgate (United States)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Make Me Over
    • Filming locations
      • Santa Clarita, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Lionsgate
      • Ignite Entertainment
      • The Kushner-Locke Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $1,200,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,205,627
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $60,410
      • Jul 9, 2000
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,595,910
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 25m(85 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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