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The Sleepover
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Family-friendly action tale has humor, mild violence.
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The Sleepover
Community Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Fun for older kids
Not for kids 9 and under but still a good movie
What's the Story?
Margot (Malin Ackerman), Ron (Ken Marino), and their kids, teen Clancy (Sadie Stanley) and middle schooler Kevin (Maxwell Simkins), appear to lead a happy if somewhat boring suburban life in THE SLEEPOVER. But all is not what it appears. When Margo and Ron disappear one night, it's up to the kids -- and their friends Mim (Cree Cicchino) and Lewis (Lucas Jaye) -- to track them down. It turns out that Margot has a much more exciting and secret former life, not to mention a hunky ex-fiancé (Joe Manganiello), and she has been cajoled into one last high-profile adventure with her former acquaintances. Ron, an affable yet clumsy pastry chef, is brought along as collateral. The kids will embark on the adventure of their short lives as they race against time to save the adults.
Is It Any Good?
The Sleepover is, simply put, good family fun. The plot isn't wildly original and the action is pretty predictable, but the characters are sketched in such a loving and silly way that it's hard not to like and root for them. This is especially true for the parents, played with charm and physical adroitness by Malin Ackerman and Ken Marino, and the son, an adorably clueless yet clever misfit perfectly embodied by Maxwell Simkins. All of the child actors are believable in their roles.
There's also some interesting commentary on modern-day parenting built into the script. The kids chafe against overprotective moms, calling them out for losing sight of their own lives in their quest to offer round-the-clock care. Three out of the four lead children have peanut allergies. One little boy, the son's friend, Lewis, is burdened with a laundry list of "not allowed" rules and supposedly helpful gear (like nighttime undies with a built-in moisture alarm system). It's all played for humor, but when Lewis breaks the rules and eschews the gear, he seems to finally feel he's living a little. It's a message parents might take to heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the secrets Margot has kept from her family in The Sleepover. Do you think family members are ever justified in keeping secrets from each other? Why or why not?
Which of the action sequences seemed the most realistic? How do you think that scene was filmed?
When his short life flashes before his eyes, Lewis realizes his life has been "boring." What is holding Lewis back?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 21, 2020
- Cast: Malin Akerman , Joe Manganiello , Ken Marino
- Director: Trish Sie
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Middle Eastern/North African actors
- Studio: LD Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures , Brothers and Sisters
- Character Strengths: Courage , Teamwork
- Run time: 103 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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