In the 2024 remake of the classic Mean Girls, the musical comedy takes a fresh spin on the original movie.
This time, it’s less racially insensitive and slightly more diverse, avoiding the stereotypical comments in the 2004 movie. Fans can still expect to hear the iconic one-liners with a modern twist.
The narrative is primarily driven by characters Janis Sarkisian, played by Auli’i Cravalho, and Damian Hubbard, portrayed by Jaquel Spivey.
For starters, 20 years later the noticeable absence of fathers in the film was an interesting twist. Instead, the film allows the mothers to influence their daughters, leading to rebellion and disrespect.
Another notable observation is that the sexual content is more diluted, although the new Karen — played by Avantika Vandanapu — compensates with a theatrical rendition of the infamous Halloween scene dedicated to all the “hotties.”
Reneé Rapp’s portrayal of Regina George channels a Beyoncé-like aura, though her fate remains unchanged. However, the film falls short in the costume department, particularly with Regina’s outfits. The fast-fashion approach doesn’t quite hit the mark for a character known for setting trends.
The film also delves deeper into the insecurities of Gretchen Weiner, played by Bebe Wood, as she strives for Regina’s approval. Cady Heron, played by Angourie Rice, also remains true to the original character. However, Lindsay Lohan’s iconic portrayal is a tough act to follow.
Tina Fey and Tim Meadows return to their original roles as Ms. Norbury and Principal Duvall, respectively, adding a touch of nostalgia. The film also revisits the talent show with an added twist, and Cady later has her soul-searching moment.
All in all, while the film lives up to the original in many ways, the casting, costumes and musical numbers can be cringe-inducing. This movie is for the fanatics who keep trying to make “fetch” happen. This version of Mean Girls proves that sometimes the original is best.
The film opens in theaters nationwide on Jan. 12.
