Review: MEAN GIRLS Is a Fun and Fresh Take on High School Hierarchy
Mean Girls, the iconic 2004 teen comedy, has been given a fresh musical twist, and it's safe to say that fans of the original will not be disappointed with what this new movie delivers. Under the comedic genius of Tina Fey and the musical talent of Jeff Richmond, the new Mean Girls musical movie offers an entertaining ride that is both nostalgic and fresh.
The story follows Cady Heron (Angourie Rice), a new student who quickly rises to the top of the high school social hierarchy, infiltrating the elite group known as "The Plastics." Regina George (Reneé Rapp), the cunning queen bee, and her loyal minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika) welcome her into their world. However, Cady's romantic involvement with Regina's ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney) sets the stage for a high school showdown. With the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli'i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), Cady embarks on a mission to dethrone the apex predator of the teenage jungle.
One of the standout features of the new Mean Girls movie is the music. Richmond's vision to create a soundtrack that resonates with a younger audience has paid off. The music in the film is not only catchy but also modern and fresh. It successfully bridges the gap between the Broadway stage and the big screen, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Having not seen the Broadway musical or listened to the music before, I approached this adaptation with a fresh perspective. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the musical elements were integrated into the narrative. The songs are not just random additions but serve as effective storytelling tools, conveying the characters' emotions and moving the story forward. It’s interesting because the trailers for the film seemed to shy away from marketing the film as a musical.
While the original 2004 Mean Girls film remains a beloved classic, this musical movie takes a different approach, and it works. The humor and wit are still there, but the updated modern high school setting and music adds a layer of energy that makes it stand out on its own. The performances are also solid across the board, with Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, and the ensemble cast delivering charismatic and memorable portrayals of their characters. The movie also stars Fey, Jenna Fischer, Busy Philipps, Jon Hamm, and Tim Meadows.
Director Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. have done a fantastic job bringing this high school drama to life on the big screen. Tina Fey's screenplay, combined with the talents of the cast, keeps the spirit of the original while infusing it with a musical flair.
At its core, Mean Girls still retains the heart of a coming-of-age teen comedy. It delivers an uplifting message about staying true to oneself while navigating the challenges of high school. When the credits roll, you'll find yourself leaving the theater with a smile, a reminder that the high school jungle may be cutthroat, but friendship and authenticity are the keys to surviving it.
Mean Girls is a delightful and entertaining adaptation that successfully reinvents the beloved classic for a new generation. With its catchy music, charismatic performances, and timeless story, it's a film that both fans of the original and general audiences will enjoy.