If you were to ask me, I could create a very solid case that "Sleepover" is the cheesiest movie in existence. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen it multiple times and absolutely love it, but my evidence would be indisputable. While I was able to guess every line and scene the first time I viewed it, and quote everything the second and third, I did learn some valuable lessons from the movie.
**Warning: Some spoilers ahead**
1. If you have a goal, go for it.
Although the coveted lunch table the main characters of "Sleepover" desired was not the climax of lofty goals, they did have the right idea in setting their sights on something and pursuing it. Their persistence and dedication to their goal, even when they thought they were behind, was something that I can take with me.
2. Even if people stand in your way, pursue what you want.
Whether it be a clique of mean girls like in the movie, or a more realistic sort of competition, someone is going to be in the way of your goal. What "Sleepover" taught me is to look past that competition and see only what matters: the prize at the end of your journey. If you do that, success is already yours.
3. Dream really, really big dreams.
Some people might laugh at your ideas. They could say you will never get the boy, or you will never get the job, or you will never be able to achieve this or that. But dreaming big gives you room to do incredible things, and sometimes it might just work out.
4. Know that your friends and family are your support system through anything and everything.
Yes, they might be really weird, lame or frustrating at times. But your friends and family are going to be there no matter what obstacles you face. Like they were for Julie, they're always going to be there to help you in a tough spot and bail you out, no matter how bizarre the circumstances might seem.
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5. It’s okay to pick brownies over celery.
As Peter the speaker mover so cleverly told Yancy, "Brownies are a very important food group." So it's okay to indulge every once and a while, as long as it makes you happy.
6. Sometimes standing up to authority figures is necessary.
While I don't recommend going out and harassing your local cops or sneaking out of the house after watching this movie, sometimes it takes a brave soul (or four) to realize that just because an authority figure has a title doesn't mean they are always right.
7. Be open to a challenge.
If Hannah never convinced Julie and the gang to take on the popular girls for the lunch table, where would they have ended up? They never would have done the impossible and gotten to the place they deserved. Challenges are presented in life to be conquered, and they're yours to beat if you only give it a shot.
8. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
Risks are terrifying. They wouldn't be called risks if they weren't; they're risky. But putting yourself out there and taking a leap of faith can be the key to unlocking not only your potential, but other peoples', and it can lead to amazing things. Like hiding in your crush's shower. That's pretty amazing, right?
PS: Don't trespass, kids.
9. Give everyone a chance.
For those people with a chip on their shoulder, unable to look at anyone as they look at themselves or their close friends, the world is going to be a pretty bleak place. But if you look around to those who you might not have considered before, you might find some new friends and a trophy in the process, like Stacie did.
10. Never forget the people you started out with.
Even though Stacie completely rejected Julie, they were able to empathize with each other by the end of the movie because of their close pasts. While crazy scavenger hunts are fun, if you can simply look back and see the people who helped get you to where you are no shenanigans would be needed to salvage any relationships.
