In the beginning, the idea of successfully remaking Mean Girls seemed about as likely as making “fetch” happen. However, the new version, complete with a fresh screenplay from Tina Fey (based on her Broadway book, which was based on her 2004 movie script), manages to capture the essence of life with the Plastics in a pretty fantastic way.
The story follows the same beats as the 2004 hit film, with Cady Heron (played by Angourie Rice) navigating the challenges of a midwestern high school filled with cliques, gossip, and stolen boyfriends. Teaming up with her new friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), Cady devises a plan to disrupt the lives of Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her fellow Plastics, Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, things take an unexpected turn as Cady herself becomes entangled in the world of pink power dynamics, especially in her rivalry with Regina for the attention of popular boy Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney).
Though the core story remains the same, Fey wisely updates the script for a new generation of teens. Many of the iconic lines from the original movie are either eliminated or cleverly integrated into musical numbers. The collaborative efforts of Fey, directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., and the cast pay homage to the original while creating a movie that stands on its own. The humor feels timeless, with some jokes possibly crafted by Fey years ago but reworked for today’s audience.
Teen culture has evolved since 2004, and this adaptation reflects positive changes in inclusivity and acceptance. Some problematic aspects of the original script have been removed, making it more suitable for today’s audience. However, this adjustment also lessens the sharp edge that made Mean Girls so memorable. The biting and vicious nature of teenage girls, a significant element of the original, feels somewhat subdued in this version.
Social changes, especially the impact of social media on pop culture and teenagers’ lives, are seamlessly integrated into the plot. Directors Jayne and Perez skillfully incorporate TikTok reaction vids, Instagram comments, and other modern elements to create a setting that feels relevant to North Shore High School in 2024.
Despite efforts to downplay its musical nature, Mean Girls is indeed a musical. While the overall score is average, there are standout numbers, such as the catchy “Revenge Party.” Jayne and Perez display a confident understanding of the musical genre, creating a visually engaging world that complements the story.
The true strength of Mean Girls lies in its cast. Angourie Rice, though slightly mild-mannered, leads the cast well. Reneé Rapp steals the show with her portrayal of Regina, delivering a powerful and daring performance. Auli’i Cravalho shines as Janis, adding depth and playfulness to her character. However, Bebe Wood as Gretchen is forgettable, and Avantika’s performance as Karen feels overacted.
While the new Mean Girls may not launch careers as its 2004 counterpart did, it remains a playground for fresh talent. Do we really need another film version? Perhaps not, but it’s quite grool that the one we have is so enjoyable. Grade: B