The Sleepover Parent Guide

The Finches are an average suburban family, or at least that’s what they appear to be. After their parents are kidnapped by criminals, Clancy (Sadie Stanley) and Kevin (Maxwell Simkins) learn that their mom, Margot (Malin Akerman), is a former thief who has been living in the witness protection program after testifying against a criminal mastermind. While being forced to carry out one last job with her former partner, Leo (Joe Manganiello), Margot leaves clues behind for her children to follow so they can, hopefully, save the day.

The Sleepover is one of those movies that demands a great deal of suspension of disbelief. The story makes a lot of illogical choices, both in the plot and in the action. The writers seem to have bent over backwards to make sure the kids don’t get any adult help on their adventure, which includes them willfully choosing to not accept the help of a US Marshal, even though he is working toward the same goal. There is also a car chase scene where a minivan is able to easily keep up with a sports car. Minivans may be practical, but fast they are not. I’m ok with some suspension of disbelief, especially in a family film, but the illogical nature of parts of the story made it frustrating to watch. Along with that, The Sleepover can’t seem to decide what genre it wants to be. It tries to be both a treasure hunt and a heist at the same time, without fully committing to either. It feels disjointed and muddled. Perhaps a director with a stronger vision could have given this promising premise more life on screen.

There are positives to be found in this production, however. The cast has a few bright spots, including Maxwell Simkins, who brings a surprising amount charm and natural comedic talent for an actor so young. Ken Marino is obviously having a blast playing the children’s awkward father, Ron. Considering what he was given to work with, he does a fine job of juggling his role as both the grounding presence and the comic relief in the family. Clancy’s best friend, Mim (Cree Cicchino), is also a standout from both a character and acting perspective.

Where the film really fails, at least in my opinion, is in its themes. I think the intention is to send the message that crime doesn’t pay, and that normal life isn’t boring. The message I got, however, is that crime leads to exciting adventures, wealth, and excitement and normal suburban life is monotonous. Along with not knowing what genre it is, this movie can’t seem to decide what it wants to teach its audience.

The Sleepover is not necessarily a bad movie. It’s a passable attempt at family entertainment and it’s sufficiently funny to be watchable, but it has enough glaring flaws and content concerns that I wouldn’t recommend adding it to the top of your Netflix queue.