Wow!
Two cheerleader epics in the same issue. Of course the big difference is that
But I'm a Cheerleader is out to make a much bigger social commentary than the
lighter Bring It On. Actually, this film from newcomer Jamie Babbit is a scathing,
yet campy take on homosexuality and, more importantly, homophobia.
Natasha
Lyonne (American Pie, Slums of Beverly Hills) plays a high schooler who wants
nothing more than to be the best cheerleader she can be. Because of some of her
harmless attributes, (she's not really into her boyfriend, and she hangs pictures
of female models in her locker etc.) her family and friends assume she's a lesbian
and ship her off to "True Directions" (a sexual orientation camp) where
she will hopefully be cured. When arriving at the camp, she meets an odd assortment
of eccentric characters who help her discover herself.
Lyonne
has a unique quality lacking in the crop of young actresses today. She has many
funny moments in this film as does drag queen Rupaul (out of make-up) as a camp
counselor. Clea DuVall (The Faculty) actually gives the strongest performance
as Graham, the sort of tough talking girl of the bunch. Also, watch for some fun
turns by cult favorites Bud Cort (Harold and Maude) and Mink Stole (Pink Flamingos)
as well as Night Court's Richard Moll.
Although
it is obvious that she is taking her cue from the superior John Waters (Desperate
Living, Hairspray), Babbit has an interesting eye for detail (many of the colorful
sets in this picture have the same sort of texture as Tim Burton's suburbia in
Edward Scissorhands). She also has a lot to get across and does so in inventive
ways, showing America how ridiculous homophobia really is. The problem is, she
runs out of things to say about midway through the film and gives us an embarrassingly
predictable ending. Much of this film has a satirical bite that I wish the film-makers
could have sustained throughout.
But
I'm a Cheerleader made it's debut as a midnight feature at The Sundance Film Festival
and it does come across as a cult film. Although it didn't work as a whole, it
does have many great moments and I'm looking forward to Babbit's next film.
