The 2004 film 'Mean Girls' is arguably one of the most iconic films ever made, and has spent 20 years with its hot pink heels dug firmly into the soil of the zeitgeist. Heels that are big to fill – so does the 2024 film adaptation of the Broadway musical measure up?
Short answer: yes.
With a beloved classic of the same name to stand alongside and a marketing masterclass like 'Barbie' to follow up, the roll-out of 'Mean Girls' (2024) has been, at most, okay. This reviewer still isn't sure of the choice to lead with elements of nostalgia and omit any sliver of original music (Olivia Rodrigo's song 'Get Him Back!' in the trailer. . . What?!).
Perhaps the public's perception of musical films is so dire in 2024 that it was too bold to remind them that this is, in fact, a musical. 'Wonka' (also a musical) went down the same path in its advertising.
Irregardless (had to!), this marketing method meant much of the internet, at first glance, was sure this was a cheesy, probably 'woke', millennial remake of something that ought not be touched. Not the best first impression, however rest assured: it's so much more.
For starters, its new foundation is an award-winning Broadway musical, dreamt up by Tina Fey, who wrote and starred in the original film. So the love and respect for the source material exists here – in spades – and is felt throughout.
Of course this film is a risk. But what is presented is a slick, rich final product which strikes the perfect balance between honouring what audiences know and love, and giving them something new to enjoy. . . All in one hit. But not even the nostalgic elements feel re-done. There's a fresh coat of paint applied to 'Mean Girls' (2024) that makes everything feel like it's happening for the first time ever.
New dialogue and plot devices feel uniform among the rest of the film too.
Image - Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures
The cast is a clean sweep of fabulous talent – each lead actor given their time to shine and doing wonderful things with their scenes.
Tim Meadows and Tina Fey both return in their original roles: Principal Duvall and Miss Norbury respectively. It's great to see them again, and they anchor the film in that sense of familiarity without overdoing anything.
Bebe Wood shakes convincingly as she walks the tightrope of being Regina George's friend Gretchen Wieners, sure to crack at any moment but so hellbent on remaining relevant that she'll do anything to stay by Regina's side.
Christopher Briney is Aaron Samuels, and he's great. . . But something about his portrayal of the role can't stop this reviewer from fondly reflecting on Jonathan Bennett's original Aaron.
Auli'i Cravalho's Janis is a Janis for 2024: expertly crafted to appeal to the teens of the modern era and she does this effortlessly. Her attitude and devil-may-care approach is a joy to watch throughout, not to mention her vocal talents.
Jaquel Spivey is exceptional as Damian – not only a scene-stealer and total charmer who evokes hearty laughs at every turn, but a glittering beacon for representation; he himself has noted in press interviews how powerful it feels to be a plus-sized, queer person of colour in a major film.
Lindsay Lohan was at the centre of 'Mean Girls' (2004). . . But Angourie Rice, who takes on the same role of Cady in 2024, doesn't pack as much of a punch. At a few points throughout, she feels overshadowed by her fellow castmates. Her transformation from nobody to plastic isn't as smooth as it could have been – but her plastic persona toward the end is believable. She holds her own in the musical numbers and it does come across that she had a lot of fun filming.
Though the character of Karen is notoriously simple-minded and slow, there's some real intelligence in the humour of this role. Luckily, Avantika is an absolute star, hitting every single punchline, physical comedy cue and musical number like her life depends on it. Everything about her interpretation is fantastic, and she's undoubtedly a highlight.
Then there's Renee Rapp – Broadway's Regina George and now cinema's Regina George. There's something so captivating about Renee in this role. . . Which, fortuitously, happens to be at the centre of the character: a captivation so intoxicating that if you don't love her, you loathe her. Renee's presence FEELS terrifying. . . FEELS alluring. . . FEELS like everything you should stay away from, but equally like something you can't possibly ignore for fear of missing out.
Vocally there's no doubt Renee is up to the task and then some. . . And the exact same can be said for how she carries Regina through the film: with notes of real depth and expression, determination, rage, fury, EMPATHY. . . It's all here, to create a well-rounded Regina George that genuinely rivals Rachel McAdams'. Phenomenal.
Now, fans of the musical be warned – a bit is missing song-wise in this adaptation. Sacrifices have been made, like the notable removal of two of Damian's tracks, to make way for enough music-less references of the 2004 film to please a mainstream audience. This is okay. What's left are catchy tracks like 'A Cautionary Tale', 'Apex Predator' and 'Revenge Party'. . . But 'World Burn' and 'Sexy' pack the biggest punches, with dazzling lighting and set design, and choreography that makes you want to stand up and join in.
Image - Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures
With a hefty 20 years behind us since the story of 'Mean Girls' last graced our screens, 2024 feels like the perfect year to refresh this legendary classic. High school is a whole new animal now – social media has just as much if not MORE power than the OG Plastics held over North Shore High in 2004, and there's also a Broadway musical of the story to draw from. . . So there's so much to play with, and it's done really, really well here.
'Mean Girls' is a masterclass in the 'remake' genre. A fetch new spin on a beloved classic that feels as familiar as it does fresh, with a dazzling cast and a soundtrack that gives recognisable characters new dimension.
Oh, and there are a few surprises in the film worth the price of admission alone.
★★★★☆
