FilmSnobReviews

Title: Mean Girls
MPA Rating: PG-13
Director: Samantha Jayne, Arturo Perez Jr.
Starring: Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins

What It Is: In this cinematic version of the Broadway smash based on the 2004 hit film we are once again thrust in to the world of Cady Heron (Rice) a new students and recent transfer from Africa. She’s in for a very large culture shock as she enters the lions den belonging to queen bee Regina George (Rapp) and her group of girls known as “The Plastics”. When Cady’s actual new friend Janis ‘Imi’ike (Cravalho) crafts a plan to stop the plastics she wants to use Cady as the catalyst.

What We Think: So…the original Mean Girls is an absolute classic and with good reason. It is, for all intents and purposes a classic. What made it a classic was the writing. Here the writing is good but it isn’t up to snuff. This is due to the music getting in the way. The music is good but not great thet tell the story but they’re formatted into the film clumsily. I think that in there’s just a little thing or two missing that could’ve helped this out just slightly. One thing is crystal clear after watching this though…Reneé Rapp is a star. She IS Regina George. It helps that her actual singing chops are amazing. Grabbing the ridiculously talented Auli’i Cravalho (yes Moana herself) was a good get because her pipes are absolutely stellar and she sells all of Janice’s songs with the perfect amount of sass.

Our Grade: C+, This is unabashedly fun. Not every song is a winner but by and large everything works so well you’ll at the very least have a great time throughout. If you’re a fan of this musical it is a really good adaptation. If you’ve never seen it (I’m in this group) it works well enough to keep interest throughout.