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The Myth of the American Sleepover

Play trailer Poster for The Myth of the American Sleepover Released Jul 22, 2011 1h 33m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 51% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Four young people search for love and adventure on the last weekend of the summer.

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The Myth of the American Sleepover

The Myth of the American Sleepover

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Critics Consensus

Somber and sweet, The Myth of the American Sleepover authentically evokes adolescence -- and all of the awkwardness and heartbreak that comes with it.

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Critics Reviews

View All (49) Critics Reviews
Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard Nicely acted, beautifully shot, ultimately disappointing ... Rated: 3/5 Aug 31, 2012 Full Review Henry Barnes Guardian Writer/director David Robert Mitchell's sweet, sexless drama. Rated: 3/5 Aug 30, 2012 Full Review Nigel Andrews Financial Times David Robert Mitchell's moodily magical first feature. Rated: 4/5 Aug 30, 2012 Full Review Shannon Gramas Spectrum Culture What The Myth of the American Sleepover loses in modulation it certainly makes up for in good intentions. Mar 31, 2022 Full Review Patrick Gamble CineVue Mitchell has successfully created an admirable indie effort which truly presents the paradox of youth -- sexual awakening coupled with crippling insecurity. Rated: 4/5 Feb 2, 2019 Full Review Giovanni Fazio Japan Times Sleepover is evocative but a little underwhelming. Rated: 3/5 Aug 24, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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allen h --sweet but nothing special Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review isla s This is a very laidback film, focussing on quieter, sometimes heartfelt moments shared between teenagers who were (or some of which were) childhood friends and it features a nice sense of nostalgia. I'd be surprised if people couldn't relate to the situations the characters find themselves in, with peer pressure playing a big part in this coming of age film, set in a sleep little town. One or two scenes made me think of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I wouldn't say this is greatly memorable in the same way as that film was but I did like it quite a lot, for the subtle/laidback feel it has and also for the optimistic/nostalgic tone it has. I'd definitely recommend this film, yes. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member In some ways, I really enjoyed this. I like understated movies with interesting characters that take their time to let situations unfold. This is one of those where many people will say, "Nothing happens." Yet it can't be denied that several of the characters are in a different place (mentally/emotionally) at the end than they were at the beginning of the film. It's just that movies like this have a way of sneaking up on you; seeming to meander and wander but, when it's over and you look back, you realize, "Actually, quite a LOT happened." I like tales that sneak up on me like that. On the other hand, the very even-toned way everyone speak, complete with strange pauses between lines of dialog, starts to get on my nerves. It's as if everyone was in the same low-energy mood. "Understated" doesn't have to mean, "All the characters seem either bored or depressed or both." In some ways it's like "American Graffiti" if that movie ran out of gas and was running on fumes. I'd just prefer a slightly more fun ride. The elements were all there for a good romp! But it's deliberately smothered. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Really moved me, what a motherfucking debut Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review matthew r Decent, sweet movie about children trying to be adults. A little confusing following the multitude of relationships that vary by scene. Many great scenes with a lot to unpack, Amazing the budget that produced this flick. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member After being hugely impressed with Mitchell's 'It Follows' I thought I'd search this out his earlier effort. There's nothing bad about it per se but it's very inconsequential. The film so desperately wants to be like 'Dazed and Confused' but it's nowhere near the league of that classic of the genre. Instead we follow the teenagers around fairly listlessly as they get involved in mostly unbelievable setups. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Myth of the American Sleepover

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Four young people search for love and adventure on the last weekend of the summer.
Director
David Robert Mitchell
Producer
Adele Romanski
Screenwriter
David Robert Mitchell
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Roman Spring Pictures
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 22, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 2, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$39.0K
Runtime
1h 33m
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