Natasha Lyonne stars as Megan, a popular cheerleader who is thrust into an anti-gay camp after her parents and friends suspect her of being a homosexual. "But I'm a Cheerleader" is a funny satire about how people make such a big deal about sexual orientation.

Sure, she may picture her teammates breasts while she's making out with her boyfriend, but does that mean Megan is gay? She doesn't think so, but her friends and family team up and send her to a rehab camp for the sexually confused. Here, she meets other girls that are lesbians, as well as guys who definitely prefer the "bro's over the ho's." She soon comes to realize that she really is a lesbian, but is determined to do the right thing and learn how to be straight. Obviously, as everyone should know (I say "should" because there are stills hundreds of millions of idiots that think homosexuality is an "acquired taste"), it doesn't work that way.

"But I'm a Cheerleader" has funny characters, funny dialogue and funny situations, all, of course, stemming from homosexuality. The movie does make fun of gays - especially the guys - but all in the name of satire; it's not meant to offend anyone (and not to be rude, but flamboyant gay men are sort of humorous at times). The funniest part of the film is the irony in the central story, that Megan is sent to the camp not knowing she is a lesbian, and then realizes she is one and starts a relationship with one of the other girls. If her parents hadn't sent her there in the first place, none of this would have happened, at least not right away.

"But I'm a Cheerleader" is a well done gay film, as it doesn't take the material too heavily, but still treats it seriously. Everything is well balanced.

Anyone who thinks that trying to turn gay people straight is a load of crap will enjoy "But I'm a Cheerleader".

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.