The film version of the stage musical of Mean Girls is a mix of nostalgia and deja vu.
We dont really need a reboot ofMean Girls, or indeed a film adaptation of the stage musical.
But there you go, we are where we are.
The musical came because people liked the film.
But if youre reading this the chances are you already know the plot toMean Girls.
The good news is the young cast is excellent across the board.
Rice has the toughest job, stepping into the shoes ofLindsay Lohanat her peak.
Rice has proven herself an excellent performer but she cant quite match the charisma of Lohan.
Rapp as Regina, who also played the role on Broadway, is absolutely electric, though.
While Woods Gretchen is actually a bit tragic, with her plaintive song Whats Wrong With Me?
revealing her deep insecurities and toxic relationship with Regina.
The slight problem with these characters is that in 2024, its not entirely believable that theyd be outsiders.
This Janis thinks Cady is acting like a dickhead but its hardly the heartbreaking scenario of the first film.
This movie is fun but its lost some of its teeth.
Cady ruins Reginas life essentially over a boy, making her less sympathetic on the whole.
Rapps Regina is wonderful but she only actually has two friends.
In 2024 is that really enough to rule the roost?
Social media is touched on but only in a fairly cursory way.
Where the movie does get very meta, however, is in dialogue with the original.
Meanwhile the movie checks off many of the most quotable lines.
On Wednesdays they still wear pink.
That girl in the gym still has a heavy flow and a wide-set vagina.
She doesnt even go here!
makes an appearance, again with a second call back.
No, Boo, you whore this time though, sadly.
Its a bit like attending a fan watchalong of a film you havent actually seen before.
And thats still pretty fetch.
Mean Girls opens in cinemas on January 12.
Rating:
3 out of 5
