Directed by:
Jamie BabbitScreenplay:
Brian PetersonCinematography:
Jules LabartheComposer:
Pat IrwinCast:
Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, Cathy Moriarty, Bud Cort, Michelle Williams, Mink Stole, Melanie Lynskey, Katharine Towne, RuPaul, Eddie Cibrian, Dante Basco (more)Plots(1)
The Candy-box colored comedy of sexual discovery chronicles the life of Megan (Natasha Lyonne) a typical teenager coming of age in anything but typical fashion. Megan's super normal suburban existence is filled with friends, pom-poms and rah-rah enthusiasm under her straight laced parents (Mink Stole and Bud Cort) suspect that their "little poodle" may, in fact, be showing deviant tendencies.In a complete panic, Megan's parents elicit the help of her friends and the guidance of a rehabilitation camp to mount an all out intervention. Mike (an out-of-drag RuPaul Charles,) A True Directions counselor, leads the intervention and before Megan can pack herpom-poms she is whisked off to learn how to be a perfect woman. True Directions is run under the strict, all-seeing eyes of sadistic Mary (Cathy Moriarty). Megan dutifully gets with the deprogramming so she can quickly return to her life of boyfriends, football games, and her absolute favorite activity-cheerleading. Everything seems perfect, but the fun begins when her hormones start to rage,and her friends and family wonder where she'll find love! (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (2)
This is a flamboyant pastel-colored teenage comedy about the re-education of homosexuals in a five-step "conversion" program. Jamie Babbit manages to humorously satirize the need for Americans to correct others and dictate "the only right way". At times, it is really hilarious, at times quite audacious, in any case, it is a very entertaining comedy that leaves you free to form your own opinions, and it does not force itself onto its audience in any way, and the result is very positive. [LFŠ 2019]
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A charming and underrated teen comedy set in a conversion therapy camp, this film stands out among similar works from its era. It tackles serious issues faced by gays and lesbians with a light and humorous touch. Natasha Lyonne shines in the lead role, bringing an endearing innocence that fits perfectly. The film is packed with gay jokes and references, all delivered with a strong satirical flavor, so don’t expect any homophobia here. The influence of John Waters is evident, though it doesn't reach his level of bizarre. Instead, it strikes a balance, maintaining its message without going over the top. The first half was more engaging for me, with the latter half focusing more on the romantic aspect, which lost me a bit. The ending falls into the realm of classic Hollywood clichés — not something I particularly disliked, but it didn't entirely satisfy me either. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and give kudos to the creators for making a film that still has relevance two decades later. I believe films like this do more for the queer community than heavy, tear-jerking dramas like The Danish Girl. A stronger 3 stars.
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