2024’s Mean Girls (directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr.) isn’t a replica of the 2004 classic film of the same name. However, it is based on the popular 2018 Broadway musical. 

If you’ve never seen Mean Girls, you’ve definitely heard the iconic lines “On Wednesdays, we wear pink”, “Get in loser, we’re going shopping”, “You can’t sit with us”, or “She doesn’t even go here!” For fans familiar with Mean Girls, you’ll remember the lines and see some familiar faces like Tim Meadows as Mr. Duvall, Tina Fey as Ms. Norbury, and a surprise cameo from Lindsay Lohan.  

The new faces of Mean Girls includes Angourie Rice (The Nice Guys) as Cady, Renee Rapp (The Sex Lives of College Girls) as Regina George, Bebe Wood as Gretchen, Brian Aletmus as Shane, Jenna Fischer as Ms. Heron, Busy Phillips as Mrs. George, Avantika as Karen, Auli’i Cravalho as Janis, and Jaquel Spivey as Damian. 

The story and relationship dynamics between Cady and The Plastics is the same but with musical numbers boost the comedy, highlight the various cliques, and showcase high school drama. Surprisingly, the music works for a ridiculous high school comedy. Renee Rapp delivers her performances like a true pop star. Her rendition of Meet the Plastics and Someone Gets Hurt are at the top of the film’s standout musical numbers. If you aren’t a fan of musicals, do not be apprehensive. The musical numbers are entertaining enough that you’ll find yourself smiling and bopping your head before they’re over.

Written by Tina Fey, there are some minor updates to make up for the 20 year gap between films. The iconic lines are delivered in a way that feels familiar and fresh at the same time. One of the best updates is the film’s use of social media. The montages of people on their phones as gossip about The Plastics and the burn book spread are very well done. Fans are even treated to a cameo from Megan Thee Stallion.  Even the iconic Winter Talent Show scene is updated. The scene is funny, familiar, and still feels like its own thing.

Angourie Rice does a very good job as Cady. She’s filling in some big shoes playing an iconic character and adds her own natural charisma and comedic timing to make it her own. Rice really shines during the montage when she’s flirting in class with Regina’s ex.  

The ensemble cast is what makes this film work. Similar to 2004’s film, every role was casted perfectly. They all bring something new and unique to their roles as well as their spectacular musical performances.

Mean Girls is a fantastic big screen adaptation. It succeeds at taking something beloved and making it feel new again. They successfully mashed up a 20 year old film and a 5 year old musical to create something good. The film is familiar enough for fans to love it and just new enough to be introduced to a new audience that will love it at as well.

Grade: B+