Trivia

Screenwriter Lona Williams was herself a contestant in local beauty pageants. She appears in the film as Jean, the pageant's non-speaking third judge.

Film debut of Amy Adams, Jacy King, and Amanda Detmer.

Allison Janney says she is recognized by fans for this movie more than anything else in her career.

The movie makes multiple references to traditional Minnesota food: The Mount Rose High cafeteria serves lutefisk for lunch, Jell-O salad is served at Tammy's funeral, and several scenes include people eating and offering "bars," considered an essential dessert for Minnesota potlucks.

Denise Richards was 28 years old when she portrayed 17-year-old Becky Leeman.