From the ongoing stereotypes to relatable conflicts, the 2004 cult classic “Mean Girls” captures the pressure teenagers often feel to fit in. However, the allegedly improved remake is tiresome and disappointing.
The original movie is comical and worthwhile for all ages. The movie is quotable, and many know the iconic lines, from “On Wednesdays we wear pink” to “Get in loser, we’re going shopping.”
By incorporating stereotypical high school characters like jocks, popular girls and nerds, the movie shows the daily struggles teenagers face and dramatizes the lengths they will go to feel accepted by their peers.
The plot focuses on Cady Heron, played by award-winning actress Lindsay Lohan, and her feud with Regina George (Rachel McAdams). After growing up homeschooled in Africa, Cady moves to Evanston, Illinois, where she attends public school for the first time.
Cady notices Regina and her posse, “The Plastics,” and quickly becomes infatuated with them as she does her best to adapt to their standards.
Rather than the typical one-dimensional characters seen in teen dramas, the 2004 “Mean Girls” depicts every character as both victim and villain.
From the start, Regina is seen as the villain and Cady as the hero. However, throughout the movie, the audience begins to understand that Regina acts the way she does due to insecurities over body image and social status.
Slowly, the audience begins to sympathize with her, and Cady is no longer viewed as the considerate new girl but instead as the antagonist.
The Broadway musical and the original movie were successful in their own rights, and there was no need for this remake. Although there are certain instances where remakes can thrive, there wasn’t a need to refresh the initial movie.
The 2024 musical adaptation “Mean Girls” is a modern and refreshing take on the classic, but it falls short of expectations. The movie was inspired by the Broadway musical and includes a similar soundtrack.
The musical incorporates a likable and diverse cast, but I wish the music was more impactful. The songs were too long, and I kept hoping they would end as soon as they started. The vocals were forced, and not all of the actors could sing well. They blared out songs and were continuously off rhythm.
One thing the movie does well is addressing cultural differences. Many of the characters come from diverse backgrounds, which differs drastically from the original.
The biggest problem I had with the musical was there was too much product placement for companies such as e.l.f., Spotify and TikTok. At certain times, the movie felt like an advertisement. Every scene had a brand deal, which lacked the authenticity of the original.
“Mean Girls” (2024) refreshes the original by portraying the more modern and prevalent struggles teenagers have in their daily lives and depicting the harsh reality and rising use of social media.
Social media is the main form of communication and conflict for the characters, mirroring high schools around the country. Multiple scenes incorporate characters making public posts to spread rumors about each other.
The original movie spreads gossip about incidents through posters or dialogue. However, in the musical, news passes through social media platforms. This only amplifies the problems the characters face, which is consistent with present-day conflicts.
The new film addresses societal changes as well. “Mean Girls” (2004) includes racist, sexist and family stereotypes. However, the new musical attempts to break from outdated social norms. The new release limits the racist and sexist comments that were seen in the original film.
In the original, the fashion is tasteful and trendy. Regina is the originator of a new style, and everyone strives to dress like her. In contrast, the musical’s fashion is cheap and tacky. The characters incorporate their own sense of style instead of following Regina’s (Reneé Rapp).
Both movies include a large amount of stereotyping toward girls, but this is done to stress the overall message. While characters struggle to fit in through friendships, relationships and clothing, one overarching idea remains: insecurity.
The movie portrays how insecurity can drive someone to do something they may regret later. Although both movies focus on two teenage girls, the overall idea is relevant to today’s society and resonates with all teenagers.
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