THE SLEEPOVER
US, 2020, 100 minutes, Colour.
Sadie Stanley, Maxwell Simkins, Cree Cicchino, Lucas Jaye, Malin Akerman, Ken Marino, Joe Manganiello, Harry Aspinwall, Erik Griffin, Karla Souza, Matthew Grimaldi.
Directed by Trish Sie.
So, it’s going to be one of those nice films where teenage girls enjoy each other’s company on a sleepover. Well, no, not exactly, not even exactly.
In fact, this is something of a comic romp, a kids’ own adventure that does take place overnight but, sleep is out of the question. (It is something of a surprise when a number of bloggers criticise the film for its lack of credibility – they seem to have missed the whole point that this is adventure, exaggerated adventure, not the least bit realistic, but highly imaginative and entertaining.)
The children, two boys, two girls, are quite young. Sadie Stanley is Clancy, the leader while Maxwell Simkins plays Kevin her somewhat roly-poly younger brother who is mischievous, extroverted, a dancer and a performer. Along for the adventure is Clancy’s friend, Mim (Cree Cicchino) who can be quite assertive but finds some of the adventures rather overwhelming. And then there is little Lewis (Lucas Jaye), Kevin’s friend, but who has a protective mother, ultra-protective in her rules which she has inculcated in Lewis.
Then comes the twist which is key to the whole film. Margot (Malin Akerman), Clancy and Kevin’s mother, is revealed as being in witness protection, something which shocks her baker husband, Ron (Ken Marino). And this all happens because Margot’s partners from the past, and she has been a successful thief. running with a pack of thieves, want her to participate in a robbery in Boston. Ron is amazed when they meet Leo (Joe Manganiello) who was in love with well not Margot, as it turns out, but with Matilda.
Long story short - because those who would enjoy this kind of romp need actually to see it rather than hear about it. The kids become involved in all kinds of hijinks to discover the clues as to where their mother is, what the robbery consists of. And, of course, in the meantime, there is the robbery itself, at a very fashionable reception, Ron making a fool of himself with false accent accompanying Margot and Leo as a Belgian count and his wife.
The writers must have enjoyed themselves working out all kinds of impossible situations – even to Kevin and the others gatecrashing the reception, his directing a cacophony as the kids played instruments but Clancy saving the situation by a performance on the viola.
And, towards the end, there is, at last, a car chase but this time the goodies chasing the baddy!
Actually, if parents watch The Sleepover with their family, there is probably quite enough to keep the younger generation entertained and some bonus enjoyable bits for the adults.
1. Title? The plan? Not much sleep!
2. The action taking place over one night? Establishing the characters, the situations, the switch? The drama, the activity, the children’s quest? Confrontations? Solution?
3. The town, the home, school, classes, the transition to Boston, sailing on the harbour, swimming ashore, the buildings, the concert hall, exteriors and interiors? The musical score? The range of songs? Cello performance?
4. Introduction to Kevin, in class, the teacher, the discussions, the mirror, his dancing, the video? His friend, Lewis? The introduction to Clancy, shyness with Travis, the invitation to the party, her friendship with Mim, Mim urging her on? Their father picking them up, the interactions in the car? At home, Kevin and Clancy and their clashes, her mother forbidding her the phone, her reaction, grounded, going to her room, complaining with Mim? The plan to go to the party, the pillows in the bed?
5. Lewis, his mother, all the strict regulations and rules? His quoting them? His staying overnight, the sleepover? Their watching computer games? Ron and his getting them outside, the tent? Clancy in the tent? Lewis going to the toilet?
6. Margot, her work at school, tough stances? At home? Strict with Clancy? Ron, the baker, picking up from school, genial, the touch of the clown? The pizza man?
7. The return of the pizza man, getting into the house, his criminal associate? Clancy not in her bed? The confrontation, the revelation of the truth, Margot, Matilda, witness protection, not telling Ron her story? Filling in the background, when young, with the gang, stealing, the range of robberies? The French controller? Margot and her getting out?
8. Harry, watching the video of Kevin, the millions watching, realising the witness protection was broken, hurrying to the house, the children suspicious, overcoming him, tying him up, the Christmas tree lights, the songs? And the dog present?
9. The criminals taking Margot and Ron? Going to see Leo, his sympathy, the past, Ron and his jealousy, Leo calling Ron the wrong names? The plan for the evening? To steal the crown? To pose as a Belgian count and wife? The dress? Going to the event?
10. The adventure for the children? Each with their own personality? Fears, boldness? Their being overcome by the truth? The quest?
11. The going to the party, talking to Travis, getting the boat, getting to Boston, having to swim? The old clothes? The historical costumes for the boys?
12. Clues, the writing in the powder on the table, the emblem? Each using their brains to work out what the next step should be? Getting to the hall? The address, the closed up shop, the encounter with Jay? Her explaining the story, especially about their mother? The trick with handcuffs?
13. Getting into the reception, the disaster at the reception, the plan for the poison for the Countess, Ron, his accent, the security guards, his panic, holding Margot’s hand, absorbing the poison, his collapse, his vomiting? Their being held by the guards? Leo and his taunts to Ron? And the revelation of the truth, his not being in witness protection, his
masterminding the taking of Margot, the plan?
14. The children getting inside, Kevin taking charge, the entertainment, conducting, the bad music, Clancy and her nervousness, playing the cello, the audience applauding? The
parents hearing her?
15. The escape, the chases, on the roof, Clancy saving the crown? Ron and Leo fighting? The escape?
16. The car, the car chase, Ron’s driving, the goodies pursuing the baddy, the buildup to the fight, Leo defeated? Harry and his arrival?
17. The various phases, Mim and her being in charge and advising, then her fears? Lewis, his pad, the rules, his getting through the bars and opening the door? Defying his
mother? Kevin and his ingenuity?
18. Going home, the happy reconciliation? Further adventures?
