But I'm a Cheerleader (R, 1999)
common sense media says
Gay love satire for mature older teens and up.
parents & educators say
- 75% say there are positive messages
- 50% say there are positive role models
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie depicts teenage gays and lesbians in their first sexual experiences. There's kissing and making out by boys with boys and girls with girls. There's also implied masturbation and one sex scene (handled discretely -- you don't see anything). Teens go to a gay bar called the Cocksucker. Parents reject their children for their sexual orientation and the teens must find a place to live when they fail to become straight. There's also some cursing, smoking, and drinking.
Violence:
The teens participate in an anti-gay rally. Graham throws a bottle at one boy.
Sex:
Gay sexual relationships, including kissing, making out, and one sex scene.
Language:
Characters curse liberally.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Megan's love interest is always smoking and the whole group sneaks out, gets fake IDs, and drinks at a bar.
More on But I'm a Cheerleader
Review It
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
- 75% say there are positive messages
- 50% say there are positive role models
Most useful reviews by all members
nickmoore
adult
adult
One of only a very few movies that approaches being a gay teen in the comedic fashion of most teen movies about straight kids. There really isn't anything objectionable here beyond kissing and occasional sex talk which is actually relatively tame when compared with most films aimed at teenagers. It can be a little heavy handed at times, but in a world where most gay kids struggle to find any representations of their lives (and in which the ones they do find are too often depressingly tragic), it's a relief to see a film that puts them in the forefront, and makes them laugh in the bargain.
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oyuky m
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Realistic
this islife you know? homophobic america needs to wake up
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haithurmiranda
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
amazing movie for teens my age. my mom suggested this for me to watch with my gay best friend. it was a huge laugh-fest. all in all, i love any movie that pokes fun at religion.
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manya
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Could be watched by mature teens
I am 15 and I don't totally understand why this movie has such a bad rating. I didn't find anything too bad about it. There is one sex scene, but it is VERY tastefully done and you can't see too much besideds kissing. It is a comedy, and I think you can't take this movie too seriously. There are a few curse words, but anyone who would watch this wouldn't be shocked by them. If you are a parent and your teen wants to watch this, I would watch some of it first and see if you think they are mature enough. It could open up a good conversation about homophobia.
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rachel4missions
parent of 9 year old
parent of 9 year old
NOT as much sex as CSM states. Lovely, funny movie.
Oh, come on, CSM! I think it's very offensive that you gave it 5 lips for sexual activity. I've seen you give considerably fewer lips to movies that were MUCH more sexually explicit. I bet if this had been about a straight couple, it would have received no more than 3 lips. I loved this movie. Unless you're a religious nut who believes that gays should be converted to straight, you will probably enjoy it too. It was pretty tasteful for a movie about teen sexuality, and I would feel comfortable letting fairly young teens/tweens watch it. A lot of the messages rang very true to life, but the humour keeps the movie from hitting too close to the nerve. The main character was pretty, smart, and Christian, and totally oblivious to her sexuality. This is so true for so many people, especially women! I think this movie rests close to my heart because I understand what it's like to spend decades of your life trying to hide or change or ignore who you are. The film helped me realise that you can't choose to be straight; if you're not straight, you can choose to be happy and honest, or you can choose to be miserable, deceptive, and lonely. This is a movie that all teens, especially those unsure of their sexuality, should really watch.
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biangel424
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Sexuality is not wrong or theres got to be something wrong with me
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moviechick123
adult
adult
One of my favorites.
This movie isn't just about homosexuality, it's about love. One of the characters gets sent to a camp after being accused of being a homosexual by her friends and family so that she can become straight. Though that plot seems to be quite dark, the theme is poked fun of and is funny. The sets and props are a riot. A few scenes include masturbation and sex, however they are non graphic, and tastefully done. The best message is to be who you are and love who makes you happy. Would recommend this movie to any family with older teenagers.
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