Synopsis: New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.
High school is never easy for anyone. Whether you’re a jock, a geek, a loner, or anything in between, no one has it as easy as you may think. Not only that, but each generation has its own set of difficulties that seem foreign to those who came before them. Once upon a time, graduating was all anyone expected. Then a bachelor’s degree became the new standard as jobs began requiring college completion. Now, teens are starting businesses and making enough money through social media that college is simply for the experience. Oh, and for friends. Nevertheless, as much as each generation differs, the social aspects remain the same. From making love connections to bullying, we can all relate, everything is just digital now. We tend to forget what it was like to be young as we age and all the complications that come with it. Let this film be a reminder.
“I’m filled with calculust.”
Envy is for now, obsession is for later, and plastic is forever. And don’t forget, on Wednesdays, they wear pink. Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., Mean Girls is a harmonious blend of the OG and Gen Z. Based on the stage musical of the same name that is based on the 2004 classic film which is in turn based on the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, we are re-enrolled in North Shore High School and it’s gone through a few changes. Beginning with the question, how far would you go to popular and hot? It’s a premise that we can all relate to, at least to some degree and it perfectly sets up the chaotic hormonal journey you’re about to experience. Welcome to the new classic. With the same awkward and fun-loving spirit as its predecessor, adding songs that add more context only makes it better. It’s especially true when some of the songs are certified bangers and can be put on repeat. The film is lively, hilarious, and highly entertaining. It’s like well-seasoned comfort food or a bag of pink Starburst. It’s a pure dopamine rush.
The famous lines that we’ve memorized and endlessly quoted are still present, just a bit jazzed up. Glen Coco still gets four for himself, that girl still has a heavy flow and a wide-set vagina, Regina still wants to lose 3 pounds, and you still can’t sit with them. Oh, and she still doesn’t even go here. When compared to the stage musical, the songs are almost exactly the same. However, the music feels more suited for the current generation rather than a Broadway crowd. Not to mention, the vocal performances on the big screen are incredibly strong. Reneé Rapp who portrays the infamous Regina George blew me away with her incredibly rich and velvety delivery. Her voice was made for this role. Because Mean Girls is essentially a period piece, there’s no need to consider this a remake or reboot. Instead, we can consider it a re-adaptation. The story remains the same, it merely adapts to our current world and its updated version of obstacles.
“Don’t apologize for things that aren’t your fault.”
What makes this film relevant and sets itself apart from the original while they still hold hands are its contents. It seems to fully encapsulate Generation Z while reminding the rest of us of the treacherous and eye-opening teenage landscape. This generation is more self-aware than those of the past. They are more inclusive, more vocal, and perhaps more crafty but are still susceptible to the same drama that plagued teenagers for decades. The film is littered with cameos that will make you smile and are clearly for millennials. The representation of different races and ethnicities is on point. And as it ponders the question that I mentioned earlier, it drives home the message of acceptance. Where it edges out the original is by showcasing that everything is not as it seems. Even the most popular or terrifying person in school is going through something and somewhere along the way, they begin to play a role that became expected of them.
From the cinematography to the ear-pleasing songs, and the extra depth we receive from each character, Mean Girls is currently the movie event of the year. Not unlike Barbie, this is where generations collide in the best way possible. The original came out when I was in high school and has a special place in my heart. As I was trying to better understand the ladies and the teenage experience, it provided some context and levity. Now that I’ve experienced this Mean Girls, it doesn’t have to ask, it can sit with us. Its rewatchability is high.
There is a tiny post-credits scene.
Pace & Pop
This version of the cult phenomenon is about twenty minutes longer than its predecessor, but that doesn’t stop it from moving like a bus on its way to ruin someone’s life. Nevertheless, there are a few moments later on that result in the hysterical emotional roller coaster feeling a tad long. What popped for me were the musical numbers. To be more specific, it was the Regina George songs. She quickly sets the tone from the first time you hear her voice that she may be the main character. Her intro is stuck in my head.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, Christopher Briney, Jenna Fischer, Busy Philipps, Ashley Park, Tina Fey, with Tim Meadows
I don’t think they could’ve done this casting any better. Each performer bodied their role. It’s difficult to top Lindsay Lohan as the iconic Cady Heron but Angourie Rice gives her a run for her money. Reneé Rapp dominates as the even more iconic Regina George. She is without a doubt the standout. Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey made a perfect pair as Janis and Damian, respectively. Their songs are some of the best and funniest. Bebe Wood makes Gretchen a complete person while Avantika makes Karen the most fun to laugh at. Such a fun cast
Mean Girls releases in theaters on January 12, 2024. Stay safe and wear pink on Wednesdays.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 58m Directors: Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. Screenplay: Tina Fey Producers: Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey Executive Producers: Jeff Richmond, Nell Benjamin, Eric Gurian, Erin David, Pamela Thur Based on: ‘Mean Girls’ stage musical Music: Jeff Richmond Lyrics: Nell Benjamin
Mean Girls is a harmonious blend of the OG and Gen Z. It's difficult to top Lindsay Lohan as the iconic Cady Heron but Angourie Rice gives her a run for her money. Reneé Rapp dominates as the even more iconic Regina George. She is without a doubt the standout. Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey made a perfect pair as Janis and Damian, respectively.
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GVN Rating 7.5
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User Ratings (1 Votes)
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