The sheer matter-of-factness with which lesbianism is presented in the film (even if the word itself is never uttered) is refreshing. Unlike all those other "grrl power" movies that only hint at lesbian subtext, D.E.B.S. not only makes it explicit, but embraces it as a central theme.

Although Lucy and Amy's relationship is clearly considered "taboo" by the other characters, this isn't because they're both women, but because the two women are on opposite sides of the law (and because Amy has never indicated an interest in women before).

Beneath all the satire and short skirts is a humorous coming-out story with a happy ending that will appeal to viewers of all sexual orientations because it's entertaining first and foremost. Straight boys and men will see it because, hey, hot girls with guns who make you laugh, and women and girls (both gay and straight) will see it for...well, the same reason, really.

This film ultimately succeeds because it can be different things to different viewers: to lesbian and bisexual viewers, a lesbian love story in teen-movie clothing; to straight teen and young adult viewers, a funny teen movie with a twist. Fundamentalist conservatives are likely to see it as another sign that Western civilization is going to hell in a handbasket, but this will only make it more popular with teens and a winner at the box office (that the film was recently granted a rare PG-13 rating makes its success even more likely).

D.E.B.S. won't win any Oscars, but it doesn't need to--it's a funny, well-written, entertaining film, and one that just might do on the big screen what The L Word has done on TV: destigmatize lesbianism, and show the world that cinematic lesbian relationships can be just as much fun as heterosexual ones.

Find interviews, photos, links and more in our new D.E.B.S. section

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