Synopsis

When a pregnant cheerleader and her star-quarterback boyfriend face an uncertain future, her friends decide that stealing money is the quickest solution. The tightly bonded squad begins planning a bank robbery, using their cheerleading discipline, suburban confidence, and elaborate disguises to carry it out. Their scheme draws them into increasingly dangerous complications while exposing the pressures beneath their polished high-school image.

Factoids & Trivia

• The screenplay was originally conceived as a much darker black comedy, reportedly involving murder for money. Concern that it would resemble Jawbreaker led to a major rewrite.

• The original working title was Sugar & Spice & Semi-automatics. After the Columbine school shooting in April 1999, the production was reshaped into a PG-13 film, and some scenes were filmed in alternate versions for rating purposes.

• Screenwriter Lona Williams used the pseudonym Mandy Nelson for the released screenplay. The film changed substantially during development, and Williams was also credited as an uncredited executive producer.

• Production took place in Minnesota, including locations in Anoka, St. Paul, and New Brighton. Anoka High School served as one of the main school locations.

• The performers underwent approximately two weeks of cheerleading training. Members of the University of Minnesota dance team and cheerleading program, along with Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, appeared as the B squad.

• Cleo's fascination with Conan O'Brien was inspired by Williams' own admiration for him. O'Brien later appears in the film, along with television personalities Kurt Loder and Jerry Springer.

• The theatrical cut runs 81 minutes, including a brief "where are they now?" epilogue and the closing credits.