The Gen-Zification of Mean Girls: Actually Good?
The Anticipated Film Thoughts + Review
Written by Olivia Moosey
February 23, 2024
‘Mean Girls’ is a 2004 film starring Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams and written by Tina Fey. It tells the story of Cady, who navigates her way through an American high school after moving from Africa and being homeschooled her whole life. It was (and still is) iconic and huge in pop culture. Additionally, it was made into a Broadway musical back in 2017 with some catchy tunes and a more modernized version of it that includes the use of social media. Now, they made a movie based on the Broadway musical that was based on the 2004 film. Don’t read the full review if you don’t want to be spoiled!
Via Cavalier ChronicleWas it as good as the original 2004 movie? No.
Was it as good as the musical? No.
Was it good for what it was? Yes!
As a musical theatre girl and a fan of the original film: I was looking forward to this interpretation! I’m not going to lie, I left the movie actually loving it and wanting to see it again. The advertising didn't do the film justice in explaining it was not a remake of the movie, but a movie version of the musical. I, and many others, didn't realize that it was a musical, but despite this, I left loving it and wanting to see it again. Hollywood wastes such great promotion when it comes to their movie musicals, and this was no different. There are two previews that come to mind. The first one had snapshots of all the characters with Olivia Rodrigo’s music playing on top of it. The second one had Regina George going, “My name is Regina George…” which is a lyric from one of the songs. But, if you’re not familiar with the musical, that could have easily been mistaken with thinking it was dialogue.
Let me start off with the rising star, Ms. Renee Rapp. She stole the entire movie for me! She looked a lot older than the other high schoolers and her interpretation of Regina George is a bit different than I was expecting. She’s more grungy and straight-up mean than Rachel McAdams who was more girly and subtly mean, which I preferred more. Regardless, nothing beats Rapp’s voice. Oh. My. God. Her singing was great, and I thought it was a great balance between musical theatre and pop. Fun fact: Renee Rapp was the Broadway replacement for Regina George. It made complete sense for her to take on this role in the film. Her career growth in the past 5 years is insane. I cannot wait to see her blow up in the entertainment industry. As someone who’s been following her since the beginning: I’m empowered and extremely proud!
Via GlamourCady Heron was my least favorite of the film. Her acting had the personality and essence of the character that fit well. But she’s not a trained singer, and it shows. Her voice was incredibly lackluster compared to the other cast memberI find it weird that they wouldn't cast someone who had a background in musical theatre for this role.
Aaron Samuels felt like he was just there for the plot. They cut out a lot of his stuff (singing and acting) and he didn’t bring much to the movie whatsoever. He called Cady out on her crap more in the movie, and I wish they would have kept that in. The characters Karen, Janis, and Damien were amazing. They are what made the movie for me. Both channeled the characters so well yet made it their own. I laughed the most with these characters. Incredible singing by all three of them. They were self-aware enough to make the cringe parts okay.
There was social media in the movie such as TikTok, and they moved away from those parts just early enough before it got too bad or too much. I understand why they did this as it was set in modern times. There were so many great cameos in the movie, some from the original movie and the Broadway cast! Also, they had well-known celebrities, like John Hamm and Jenna Fischer. They were all great, and I loved the surprise Lindsay Lohan cameo at the end. It was at the point in the movie where you think they’re done with surprises, then boom! She shows up.
Via People