Paramount Pictures has given a new twist to the classic high school comedy in the form of “Mean Girls,” which coincides with the movie’s twentieth anniversary. This story was previously adapted into a same-titled stage musical. The latest version of the story has the original writer, Tina Fey, returning to write the script while Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. direct the movie.
New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.
Before delving into my review, I want to remind viewers that Mean Girls 2024 is a musical featuring Jeff Richmond’s production talents and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. For the most part, 2024 follows the plot verbatim of the film with a few modern-day changes. Like OG’s Rachel McAdams’s star-making turn as Regina George, Reneé Rapp steals the movie. The rest of the cast delivers stellar performances, capturing the essence of the original film counterparts while infusing the characters with a fresh and dynamic energy. The choreography is sharp and engaging, bringing a sense of vibrancy and movement to the reimagining.
The music is an impressive compilation of resonant and memorable songs that include “Apex Predator,” “Where Do You Belong?” and “Meet the Plastics.” These songs add depth and emotion to the characters and relationships portrayed in the musical. One of the musical’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance humor and heart while addressing significant themes such as friendship, identity, and the challenges of adolescence with wit and sincerity. The creative team has demonstrated exceptional skills in updating the storyline for the stage while still preserving the spirit and humor that endeared the film to many.
Though some may contend that the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” does not offer any groundbreaking insights compared to its cinematic predecessor, it is undeniably an exceptionally entertaining and enjoyable new take that is certain to captivate both fans of the original movie and those new to the story.
Final Grade: B
“Mean Girls” is available to stream now on Paramount +
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2025, I wanted to return to 2005 and highlight “Gemini,” the eighth album from iconic singer & balladeer Brian McKnight. The album hit stores on February 8th, 2005, and would serve as the singer’s last release on the legendary Motown label. The album’s title pays homage to the singer’s astrological sign.
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.