The storyline of “Mean Girls” (2024) adheres closely to both the original 2004 film and the Broadway musical, all three of which were penned by Tina Fey and derived from Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 novel, “Queen Bees and Wannabes.” The narrative revolves around Cady, a teenage girl who spent her formative years in Africa due to her parents’ professional commitments. Upon relocating to the U.S., she must navigate the dynamics of the local high school community.
Cady swiftly recognizes the striking resemblance between her new peers and the wild animals observed by her parents, illustrating how effortless it is to assimilate into their social ecosystem. The stage musical faithfully reproduces all the pivotal moments from the Lindsay Lohan film, suggesting that the upcoming movie will adhere to a similar structure. This encompasses the presence of the Plastics and, notably, the portrayal of Regina George as a character of pure malevolence.
Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. in their feature directorial debut, “Mean Girls” is a 2024 American musical teen comedy film with a screenplay crafted by Tina Fey. The movie draws inspiration from the Broadway musical of the same name, which, in turn, is based on Mark Waters’ 2004 comedy film. Both the Broadway musical and the film were written by Fey and derived from Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book, “Queen Bees and Wannabes.” The cast features Angourie Rice, Auli’i Cravalho, and Christopher Briney, with Renée Rapp reprising her role from the stage musical, and Tina Fey and Tim Meadows reprising their original film roles.
The fundamental template remains consistent, with new student Cady befriended by two endearing misfits, Damian (Jaquiel Spivey) and Janis (Auli’i Cravalho). They persuade her to assist them in messing with the A-list clique, The Plastics, and sabotaging their leader, Regina (Renée Rapp). Consequently, the plot closely follows the original storyline. The moments that feel like original “Mean Girls” cosplay sometimes fall flat, while the film excels in brand-new lines, subtle updates, and evolutions.
While adapting the Broadway musical, “Mean Girls” grapples with establishing its own identity despite featuring excellent music and solid cinematography. Renée Rapp, reprising her role as Regina George from the Broadway stage, delivers powerhouse vocals that justify her presence in the film.
Rating: 3.5/5
Two decades following the release of the original film, “Mean Girls” has undergone a musical movie adaptation now gracing theaters, injecting a fresh perspective into the 2004 classic and introducing some alterations to the ending.
A notable aspect of the transition to the musical format is the incorporation of songs that offer a direct glimpse into the characters’ emotions and motivations, breaking the fourth wall in a manner that would seem awkward without the musical elements. Consequently, the movie merits a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.
