Get in losers, we're going to the cinema to watch the new Mean Girls film.
That's right, the 2000s classic starring Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan is being re-told with a musical twist, and we bet you can't wait to see The Plastics, Cady and the rest of North Shore High again.
The film had everyone talking when it was announced and with it coming to movie screens on 17th January in the UK, we bet you have one question: Is it worth watching? Here's our review. You go Glen Coco!
What is Mean Girls about?
The official synopsis reads, "New student Cady Heron gets welcomed into the top of the social food chain by an elite group of popular girls called the Plastics, ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina's ex-boyfriend, she soon finds herself caught in their crosshairs."
So, think the original Mean Girls but as a musical!
The new Mean Girls cast
The cast of the new film has faces we know and love, plus some newbies taking on the iconic roles. They include:
- Angourie Rice as Cady Heron
- Auli’i Cravalho as Janis ‘Imi’ike
- Jaquel Spivey as Damian Hubbard
- Reneé Rapp as Regina George
- Bebe Wood as Gretchen Wieners
- Avantika Vandanapu as Karen Smith
- Christopher Briney as Aaron Samuels
- Tim Meadows as Principal Duvall
- Tina Fey as Ms Sharon Norbury
- Mahi Alam as Kevin Ganatra
Is Mean Girls worth watching? Our review
If you’re a fan of the original Mean Girls film, then be prepared for something completely different – but still with the iconic lines, characters and stories that we all know and love. The film is a full-blown musical, so that means dance numbers, ballads, duets and more, which may not be your cup of tea. A loyal re-enactment of the 2000s version this is not.
But, if you’re like me and are a big fan of musicals, we think you’ll enjoy the twist, lead by incredible vocals from the likes of Reneé Rap who is basically the internet’s girlfriend right now. She wows in her version of Regina George, which is no surprise given that she played her in the Broadway musical, and gives a modern, fun and even more sassy twist (if that was even possible) to the much-loved character. I think Reneé stole the show as her musical and acting talent is seriously undeniable.
As for the new, Gen Z-ified (is that a word? It is now) takes on high school, friendships and fashion, some of it was a little bit cringey and fell flat, while other parts felt like it brought the film into the modern day. The use of social media platforms like TikTok in spreading news about Regina’s fall at the talent show and the Burn book is a lot more realistic to what would happen in the real world. And the cameos? They’re so fun and worth seeing on screen.
I like how the film payed homage to the original while standing alone as its own musical, and the ensemble cast is to thank for that. Notably, I loved Auli’i Cravalho and Jacquel Spivey’s version of Janice and Damian. In particular, the way that Janice’s sexuality was no longer the butt of the joke, but instead allowed conversations about homophobic bullying to be had was an important, affirming twist that I hope viewers will appreciate.
Plus, the music? Honestly, I loved it. Some songs were definitely better than others ('Watch The World Burn' was one of my favourites) and again, that is thanks to the talented cast and their impressive vocal skills. Not only that, but I'd argue that the whole message of the original film (spoiler: for women to unite and not be pitted against each other by men or themselves), still rings true today.
So, is Mean Girls worth watching? If you’re a fan of the original, then yes. If you want it to be exactly the same, though, be prepared. It's not, but it also shouldn't be expected to be. The original stands alone, as does this version.
Mean Girls is in cinemas from 17th January in the UK.
