Hola What’s Hot Fam,
“It was better than the first one,” said a teen as the credits for Mean Girls ascended up the screen. Do I agree? The short answer – no. (Yes, I’m a millenial.) However, the 2024 musical rendition did a great job of comedically building upon the highlights of the 2004 original.
In true plastic fashion, I attended the screening for this film in a plush pink fur hoodie. And I did so, despite the torrential down pour of rain that resulted in early closures for many of the schools and businesses in my area that day. And although the gist of the film remained the same, the hilarious songs and nostalgic moments made it worth the journey.
From beginning to end, there were jokes and moments to savor. It is a rhythmic stroll down memory lane. However, what stood out to me the most were the omitted moments and scenes. While still hilarious, some of the iconic Mean Girls moments felt a little less…well, mean. Now, obviously, I expected there to be differences between this film and the last, but some of those changes left me wondering: Were they afraid of being cancelled? Let’s explore this a bit.
I definitely feel that seeing the original Mean Girls film adds an extra level of enjoyment. Having that familiarity makes the jokes, staple wardrobe pieces and returning actors hit the heart – and funny bone – a little harder. In fact, some of the humor actually depends on it.
For instance, Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian’s (Jaquel Spivey) opening song references Regina George’s (Reneé Rap) karmic accident.
“This is a cautionary tale about corruption and betrayal and getting hit by a bus,” the misfits sang in a garage with a tambourine. That line would likely not earn a laugh without context.
Among other details that returned were “Grool,” October 3, “Get in Loser,” and Cady’s plaid shirt and pink bra straps. If you know, you know. And of course, the Burn Book reclaimed its crown next to Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney) as causes for drama.
So what was missing? Guts.
When I watched the original Mean Girls, I made the mistake of doing so with my parents. It was hilarious, but the mature content made sitting on the couch with your parents at a young age a bit uncomfortable, especially when your mom isn’t as cool as Regina’s. This version was missing that bite. Aside for a couple of “dicks” being blurted, it took a bit of a safer route.
When it comes to the 2004 Burn Book, Regina George notably called herself a “Fugly Slut” as a part of her revenge plot against Cady (Angourie Rice) and her former minions. In this remake,”Fugly Slut” is replaced by “Fugly Cow.” A change I’m having a hard time embracing, but makes sense given the Kalteen bars.
Producer and Screenplay Writer Tina Fey also eliminated the scandal between Coach Carr, now played by Jon Hamm, and students Trang Pak and Sun Jin Dinh and Regina’s infamous line “Boo you whore!”
Another notable omission, the student Regina George bumps into when she’s booted from the Plastics’ lunch table doesn’t call her a “fat ass.” To be fair, the film has been modernized, so that would probably be more of a compliment than an insult today.
However, may I point out that most of these changes eliminated body and slut shaming quips. A coincidence? Considering how often even comedians are cancelled or criticized for jokes that were once considered gold, I don’t think so. Nevertheless, I understand the hesitancy if that’s truly the case. Granted the opportunity to interview Tina Fey, it would be at the top of my question list. I’d also ask what influenced the decision to diversify the core cast.
Dressed in wings and feathers, Reneén Rap took Aaron Samuels back with an angelic voice to match. She brought a new touch of sex appeal to the reknowned line, “Get in Loser.” Avantika Vandanapu also leveled up Karen’s sexiness with a TikTok style number featuring provocative dance moves and lots of cleavage (also what I perceived to be an ode to the original). On the contrary, she also leveled up the stupidity to the point of annoyance with an increase of exaggerated blank expressions and slow moments. With a fan in hand, Spivey brought a new found faboulousness to Damian’s character while managing to increase his comedic impact.
Personally, I thought Angourie’s peak moment in the film was when her character, Cady, went full on plastic. The sass suited her – to the point that I think she could’ve slayed as Regina George. Briney also seamlessly slipped into the role of Aaron Samuels, but I’m sure the gorgeous eyes helped.
As a whole, the cast understood the assignment.
Overall, Mean Girls (2024) did a great job of merging a classic storyline with modern details such as vertical videos, Megan Thee Stallion appearances and text messages. Even cargoes made it into Regina George’s closet. The music was refreshingly lighthearted and the twist on the Plastics’ talent show performance was a highlight for me. The use of lighting was reflective of good, evil and theatre.
And I can honestly say, I laughed more than I expected throughout the film. Yet, I still can’t help but wonder what it would have been without fear? Bigger plot changes? The return of the iconic insults and scandal? In the words of Kanye West, “I guess we’ll never know.”