MEAN GIRLS (2024) REVIEW

"Mean Girls," which was released in 2004, has been a cultural phenomenon for the past 20 years. Not only did it create a flurry of catchphrases and phenomena (see "that's so fetch!" and "on Wednesdays we wear pink"), but it also sparked the creation of a film-to-stage version on Broadway, appropriately titled "Mean Girls: The Musical." With the same plot and additional songs and dances for flavor, many fans of the original work enjoyed the primary story that was conveyed through the modified media.

Tina Fey remastered her famous film with "Mean Girls (2024)," which, unlike its predecessor, is a musical-to-movie adaptation that features Broadway tracks while capturing the high school feel that most 2000s movies provide. However, some fans of both the musical and the original film have turned into haters, with the new version falling slightly flat in tone and at the box office.

Not much had changed between the original 2004 film and the 2024 remake, save that during the opening sequence, I knew I was in for a musical rather than a remake. What I liked best was how many of the gags in the film were adapted from the original and still made me chuckle. Tina Fey, the writer and director of both films, maintained her quick witted comedy and joyful message throughout the film. I was doubtful at first, but when Regina George appeared on screen, my ideas changed totally. Regina's opening song immediately piqued my interest, and I remained captivated throughout the film.

It is plausible to state that the film retains the same cultural influence as the original in 2004, although with music. As someone who went into the movie with no idea what to anticipate, I let out a tiny grumble as they started singing and dancing. Surprisingly, Cady Heron was my only gripe about the film. Now, I'm not a musical-to-movie specialist, but I felt like she lacked feeling in her singing, and I couldn't listen to "Stupid With Love" without reaching for my phone to fast speed through the cringe session in the movie.

Once you get over the cringe-worthy middle school crush sequence and the strange music with people dancing like zoo animals, the film kicks up with drama and a fast-paced narrative.

In terms of casting, I believe this film differs from the original. I really loved how each actor and actress portrayed their character in their own unique way. This time around, there were more varied casting choices that appealed to a wide range of fans, giving individuals who may not have felt represented in the original an opportunity to connect this time.

Overall, I thought this movie-to-musical-to-movie transition worked well and kept the storyline consistent with small alterations. The storyline was fast-paced, and the actors presented their characters in ways that worked while staying true to the original concept and landing each joke with a chuckle. I hadn't heard the musical before seeing the film, but I believe each performer gave their all, with only a few minor criticisms. I understand that some may not agree, but I would see this movie again.