Welcome to the Mean Girls 2024 movie review — a musical extravaganza directed by the talented duo Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr.. In this reboot of the classic comedy, they blend humor and song to refresh the teen drama landscape with an A-list lineup of young actors. It's a Comedy, Musical that aims to hit those high notes and perhaps even stir some nostalgia.
The plot centers around Cady Heron, portrayed by Angourie Rice, who quickly finds herself in the whirlwind world of the Plastics, a flashy clique led by the iconic Regina George. The rule of the Plastics comes under threat when Cady commits social high treason — she falls for Aaron Samuels, Regina’s ex. Sound familiar? It should! But throw in song-and-dance numbers and it might just be the twist needed to breathe new life into an all-too-known story.
Acting-wise, Reneé Rapp steps into Regina’s shoes with a devilish grin that somehow makes villainy charming. Meanwhile, Auli'i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey bring their characters to life in a way that’s both fresh and nostalgic. Auli’i adds unique depth, proving her range extends well beyond her Disney roots. Cinematographically, the movie boasts dazzling and vibrant setpieces that capture the chaotic and colorful nature of high school life. The screenplay, co-penned by Tina Fey alongside Rosalind Wiseman, manages to keep the biting humor while sprinkling in musical magic — though I have to say, sometimes it felt a tad too reliant on nostalgia rather than originality.
When comparing it to similar genre pieces like 'High School Musical' or the original 'Mean Girls', this rendition tries to stand out with its musical angle. While 'High School Musical' had its bubblegum charm and the original 'Mean Girls' its razor-sharp wit, this 2024 version tries — perhaps a bit too hard at times — to meld the two. Sometimes, it hits all the right notes, and other times, it feels like a forced melody. However, it's still a refreshing take that might just captivate a new generation.
If you’re a fan of comedy and musicals or simply someone who enjoys teen dramas, this might just be your cup of tea — or should I say, ‘cafeteria-lunch special’? Whether you end up loving or loathing the musical interludes, it's worth watching just to see how it transforms the narrative. For those curious about how this update handles the weight of its iconic predecessor, you might want to watch and join the discussion about where it hits and where it misses. If you love films that mix genres like 'musical comedies', this movie should definitely be on your radar!