Best Ever Sleepover!

Although the pseudo-slumber party with five preteen females format is weak, Best Ever Sleepover! boasts an innovative selection of sleepover activities--all presented with lots of Clueless-speak, air kisses, and trendy text pop-ups. The fun and games include a balloon-based form of truth or dare (“Pop the Question”), the dance imitation “Match My Moves,” “Be-Jewelled” (make-your-own headband/jewelry instruction), “Double Dipping” (two super-easy snack dips), a “PJ Fashion Show” and “Psychic Pendulum” (paper, string, and a ring--and voila--Miss Cleo, eat your heart out!). Granted, the forced laughter and cheesy subplots (including a lame “annoying little brother”) strain to recreate a natural party atmosphere (and a cherry-stem-tongue-tying segment seemed weird, though it will definitely come in handy when the target audience is old enough to show off in a bar), but considering the dearth of similar programs, and the inclusion of a how-to booklet so comprehensive it could stand alone, this is well worth picking up. DVD extras include recipe featurettes, the “Best Friends” theme song montage, cast comments, and outtakes and bloopers. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams)