Review of But I'm a Cheerleader (2000) by Michael M — 03 Apr 2013

There's definitely something here, but it just isn't as successful as it could have been or should have been. The story of a lesbian romance developing at a "straight camp" is very much one that is worthy of being told for its merits both in themes and in narrative, and the performances are universally good.

It also takes some interesting choices in direction with a very bold color scheme and an art house feel. However, a lot of it really just fell flat. The female characters present a variety of personality in the homosexual community, but the male characters all feel like they were taken from a mold of Jack from Will & Grace.

It also has an odd sort of pace to it. It's not that it's boring, it kept me interested enough, but it just doesn't feel like the filmmakers were as interested and it sort of just goes through the motions.

There's the potential for a really good movie here, but it should have been more. The end result sort of feels like an above average made-for-TV-movie. It's got a good heart and is worth seeing, especially for teenage members of the gay community, but I couldn't help lament the movie that could have been.