Introduction

On January 12, “Mean Girls” (2024) was released in theaters across the US. Much like several movie sequels and book adaptations, this rendition didn’t seem to satisfy the anticipation and expectation of the audience, marking the downfall of remakes and the missed musicality.

The Original Mean Girls (2004)

“Mean Girls” (2004) is based on the book “Queen Bees and Wannabes” by Rosalind Wiseman. Directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, the movie starred an 18-year-old Lindsay Lohan as the protagonist Cady Heron. A story that follows a homeschooled girl’s journey through the challenging social hierarchy of high school leading her to cross paths with the “Plastics”- Regina, Gretchen, and Karen. An iconic movie still remembered and quoted to this day.

Mean Girls

Tina Fey
Rachel McAdams
Lindsay Lohan

6.29 USD

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Mean Girls 2024 – A Musical Remake?

The 2024 version came with a significant twist – it’s a musical. Yet, surprisingly this essential detail seemed to have missed out on its promotional materials. Star cast like Angourie Rice (Cady Heron), Reneé Rapp (Regina George), and Auliʻi Cravalho (Janis Ian) delivered their performances but it seemed the essence of the original movie was somewhat lost in the musicality.

Mean Girls (2024) [DVD]

11.99 USD

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Criticisms of the 2024 Remake

The movie’s selection of music and lyrics didn’t seem to match the original’s movie’s iconic lines. The modernised sets, costumes, and dialogues, although revamped, didn’t seem to do much justice either. The portrayal of “Mean Girls” lacked the original’s raw energy and meanness, resulting in a somewhat dull and static representation.

Conclusion

While the 2024 version maintained the basic plot sourced from the original, it failed to match the same energy and charm. The unforeseen musical twist and diluted portrayal of the iconic characters made the movie fall short of audience expectations.