Synopsis
Mean Girls (2024) features the same beloved plot as the original but has been updated with new and exciting musical numbers that will appeal to a younger audience.
It centers on Cady Heron (Angourie Rice), an American teenager who is brilliant, but socially inept having spent her whole life being homeschooled in Africa. Her mother, a wildlife researcher (Jenna Fischer), brings her to live in suburban Illinois. After relocating, Cady joins North Shore High which is home to intimidating social climbers higher than any she faced on a safari.
At school, Cady makes two friends, Janis (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey) who are sharp-witted outcasts and quickly help her learn the complicated social structure of the school. However, at the top of the hierarchy are the ultra-plastics, “The Plastics”, North Shore’s trio headed by the ruthless and cunning Regina George (Renée Rapp), self-conscious and loyal Gretchen Wieners (Bebe Wood) and Karen Shetty (Avantika Vandanapu), who is endearingly dim.
Ingrid and Cady’s undercover mission to infiltrate The Plastics and terminate their rule over the school is more complicated than it seems. Cady begins to undergo a transformation into everything she despises due to the attention and power that comes from being popular. While dealing with teenage romance, including a crush on Regina’s ex, Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), matters become even more complicated.
As friendships begin to shatter, with deep-rooted alliances being put to the test and multiple betrayals occurring, Mean Girls maintains its focus on authenticity, empathy, self-discovery, and their timeless messages. Cady’s notions of what “sitting with us” means morphs during the Spring Fling dance, the film’s climax: musically, narratively, and symbolically. Here, she learns that “sitting with us” is less about being accepted and more about relinquishing the need to seek acceptance in the first place.
Cast & Performances
The film’s greatest selling point is its impressive cast who, alongside their authentic portrayals of the characters, were able to retain the very essence the original encapsulates.
Angourie Rice as Cady Heron:
Rice’s performance encapsulates Cady’s journey perfectly, from a wide-eyed, oblivious teenager to a self-reflective young woman. Her character feels real and the transformation she undergoes is equally, if not more, poignant than the struggles she faces along the way. In addition, Rice’s vocal performances are commendable and add further dimension to the character’s internal conflict during several key musical scenes.
Renee Rapp as Regina George:
Rapp’s performance struts right into the heels of one of cinema’s most recognizable “Queen Bees” and does not disappoint. Having played Regina on Broadway, Rapp brings a ferocity of vocals, timing, and sharp wit that makes her is both frightening, and captivating as Regina.
Auli’i Cravalho as Janis:
Cravalho’s portrayal of Janis is electrifying and deeply felt, especially in the musical solo segments, adding to her already fiery charm. Her interactions with Jaquel Spivey’s Damian serve as a highlight, providing the film with its heart and humor.
Jaquel Spivey as Damian:
He combines laughter with heartfelt moments in a scene-stealing performance that Spivey seems to nail effortlessly. His fabulous performance of “Stop” which also has many instrumentals showcases both his vocal and comedic prowess.
Bebe Wood as Gretchen Wieners & Avantika Vandanapu as Karen Shetty:
Both actors shine in the supporting roles as Wood captures Gretchen’s anxious pleasing personality with precision. Avantika adds new and brilliant comedic depth, while still capturing the essence of Karen.
The entire cast, combined with the vigorous choreography and musical direction, brings life to every scene.
Direction, Music & Production
Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. bring style and energy to the film with their music video-inspired direction, infusing every dance sequence with cinematic pizzazz that transforms them from mere stage reproductions into vibrant spectacles. The film is also edited in a way that ensures a seamless flow between scenes, allowing viewers to enjoy one catchy number after another without losing the narrative’s coherence.
With the film’s music composed by Jeff Richmond and lyrics written by Nell Benjamin, the integration of songs into the story is effortless. Songs like “Apex Predator,” “Someone Gets Hurt,” and the show-stopping “World Burn” heighten the drama and humor, granting audiences deeper insights into each character’s motivations and emotions. The updated arrangements also modernize the sound for 2024 audiences, blending pop sensibilities with Broadway theatrics.
Broecker’s costume design captures the contemporaneity of the trends while paying tribute to the iconic looks of the Original Plastics. The vivid plastic palettes alongside the precise character detailing reinforce the exploitation and inauthenticity central to the social issues the film explores.
IMDb Ratings & Reception
Mean Girls (2024) is rated on IMDb as 6.5/10 at the time of writting, and it seems to garner appreciation from both fans and original viewers of the show. Critically, the film is being commended for the vivacious acting, seamless incorporation of songs, and the overall revitalization of a classic tale. Renée Rapp’s portrayal of Regina George has been receiving particular praise with many claiming her performance to be scene-stealing as well as iconic in its own right.
Although some fans were not as fond of the harshly cynical satire the original 2004 film had, others enjoyed its alternative approach in the form of the musical’s more earnest, emotional depth. Moreover, the film is being celebrated for its more progressive casting choices and updated sensibilities which kept the story engaging whilst feeling modern.
Conclusion
Mean Girls (2024) demonstrates that a story that’s retold over and over can garner new life through the lens of different generations. The film boasts energetic performances, catchy songs, and a strong message that all encapsulate the spirit of the original while creating a distinguishable identity.
Despite the vivid and fast-paced voyage through the tumultuous world of adolescence, the story never steers away from its central premise: kindness, true self, and self-respect always endure while popularity is ephemeral. Regardless if you’re a devoted fan of the 2004 classic or learning about North Shore High for the very first time, Mean Girls (2024) has something for everyone. It is a captivating and empowering experience that cements its status in the Plastics’ hall of fame.
So put on pink (or don’t), make sure to get your popcorn ready, and prepare yourself to revisit all the love, drama, and essential life lessons from Mean Girls — but this time it’s set to music!
Watch free movies on Fmovies