Review of The Myth of the American Sleepover (2011) by Andrei D — 09 Aug 2011

An OK, coming-of-age, teen angst, flic. It was a bit disappointing. There were several stories, of different teenagers, over 1 summer nite. All of the stories had potential. And, they all also had individual scenes that were of interest. But, the total experience of each of the stories, and of the whole movie, did not have any poignancy, nor fire-in-its-belly. The best one, was of the lone girl pre Hi-schooler. But, none of the other stories pulled me in.

Also, the film does not look very good. It had a washed-out look. The colours were all very pale or weak. At first, I thought that was becuz of the bright sunlite, outdoor shots. But, later, the indoor, and late-nite shots, were similarly washed out. The cinematography appeared unskillfully made.

Several ideas of the film did not ring true. The film is advertised as abt middle school kids moving on to Hi schl. Only one of our 3 kids fit that profile. The others were already in Hi schl or beyond. Few, if any, of these Hi schl girls are shown wearing short shorts or other, mildly revealing clothing ... in the summer? ... I dont think so. One boy sees a strange girl in a store. He is counselled that he will probably meet her at Hi schl in the fall. So, we have a town big enough for 2 or more middle schools; and only 1 Hi schl ... maybe. There was an abandoned warehouse that was a local make-out spot. In this town, were are to believe that kids would routinely meet others, maybe strangers, and make-out with them. I dont think this is common. After a few hrs of getting-to-know-U, maybe, but not to just to leap rite into it ... I dont think so. This entire nite also unfolded w/out any guy trying to cop a feel. Also, no guy in this movie attempted to stroke a female thigh. Where were those typical guys hanging out?? Teen guys are always thinking abt, dreaming abt, sex; and any and all activities leading up to it. The guys in this movie, just wanted to hold hands or get a little peck of a kiss. Our lead characters, mostly avoided any heavy-duty lip-locks. Background characters were seen going at it, but not our guys. Also, we have one girl, new to the town, who has an established boyfriend. She agrees to spend the nite w/ him; presumably 4 sex. In the morning she awakes, in his bed, fully clothed ... I dont think so.

So, we have a movie that depicts a kind of typical adolescent milieu. The overall experience is pleasant. But, nothing of significance is said or put forward. It was a mildly OK trip to the flics.