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.