5.5
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
But I'm a Cheerleader (2000)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 5.5
Overview
Megan is an all-American girl. A cheerleader. She has a boyfriend. But Megan doesn't like kissing her boyfriend very much. And she's pretty touchy with her cheerleader friends. Her conservative parents worry that she must be a lesbian and send her off to "sexual redirection" school, where she must, with other lesbians and gays learn how to be straight.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Christianity: Negative
Overview
Megan is an all-American girl. A cheerleader. She has a boyfriend. But Megan doesn't like kissing her boyfriend very much. And she's pretty touchy with her cheerleader friends. Her conservative parents worry that she must be a lesbian and send her off to "sexual redirection" school, where she must, with other lesbians and gays learn how to be straight.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film explicitly promotes progressive ideology by satirizing conversion therapy and championing LGBTQ+ self-acceptance and community against societal heteronormative pressures, making its core conflict and solution deeply aligned with left-leaning values.
The movie features visible diversity, particularly in its focus on LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Its narrative strongly critiques traditional heteronormative societal structures and gender roles, portraying them negatively, while celebrating diverse sexual identities.
Secondary
But I'm a Cheerleader offers a highly affirming portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes. It satirizes conversion therapy while celebrating self-discovery, queer love, and community. The narrative champions authentic identity against societal pressures, concluding with a positive embrace of LGBTQ+ lives.
But I'm a Cheerleader features Dolph, a trans man, whose identity is depicted with dignity and agency. The film critiques conversion therapy's attempts to alter his gender identity, framing these efforts as misguided. Dolph's arc is affirming, as he confidently asserts himself and leaves the camp.
The film satirizes a specific, conservative interpretation of Christianity, portraying its institutions and adherents as hypocritical, oppressive, and foolish in their attempts to 'cure' homosexuality. The narrative highlights the harm caused by this ideology without offering counterbalancing positive portrayals.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
But I'm a Cheerleader is an original film with characters created specifically for this production. There is no prior source material, historical figures, or previous installments from which characters' genders could have been established and subsequently changed.
This film is an original work with no prior source material, historical figures, or previous adaptations. Therefore, no characters had an established race before this film's creation, meaning no race swaps occurred.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.8
7.0
Critic Ratings
4.3
3.9
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