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 +
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”