Review: Reneé Rapp and Auli’i Cravalho shine in fun, fresh twist on ‘Mean Girls’
Whether you’re a fan of the original film or a newcomer to the Plastics, there’s something in “Mean Girls” for everyone – just don’t expect a groundbreaking revelation.
For anyone misled by Paramount’s attempt to disguise the fact that their “Mean Girls” remake isn’t just a remake — it’s a remake of the Broadway musical — bursting into song two seconds into the film should hopefully clear things up.
Don’t be fooled. The latest take on Cady Heron, the Plastics and the world of Regina George is a musical through and through – and to varying degrees of success. But at its core, “Mean Girls” is a fun, airy retelling of the original that incorporates classic jokes and modern twists to channel the same cautionary high school tale.
Whether it was necessary or not is another story, but now it’s here, and for what it’s worth, “Mean Girls” is a good time.
If you remember the plot of 2004’s “Mean Girls,” you’re all set here. New student Cady (Angourie Rice) has just moved from Kenya to North Shore High School in Illinois. The world of high school politics, drama and cliques is more foreign to her than anything she ever encountered in her years abroad. Enter, Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), social outcasts keen on showing Cady the ropes in her new environment.
The three quickly become friends, with Janis and Damian hatching a plan to have Cady take down North Shore’s apex predator, Regina George (Reneé Rapp). Cady infiltrates Regina’s ditzy band of fake besties, the Plastics, and begins to plot the queen bee’s downfall – turning her friends against her, stealing her boyfriend and ruining her social status. But along the way, Cady verges on losing herself as she’s tempted to take the throne as the new leader of the Plastics.
Oh, and there’s musical numbers to explain all of this.
Reneé Rapp shines as Regina George, the quintessential mean girl with all the confidence, coolness, and main character energy you’d expect. There’s no question this is her film – from the promotional materials, to her budding stardom and rabid fanbase, Rapp is the main selling point. It’s no secret to anyone familiar with Rapp that her vocals are the real deal, elevating some of the best musical numbers in the film. Beyond just her singing, though, Rapp’s onscreen presence is commanding – just like her character – and she captures the essence of Regina with finesse.
On the flip side, Angourie Rice’s Cady leaves a bit to be desired. While Rice holds her own on the acting front, her vocals fall short, making many of her musical numbers forgettable. It’s a tough to look past, especially in comparison to the standout performances all around her.
The real MVPs of “Mean Girls,” though, are Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey, both of whom deliver hysterically fun performances. Cravalho’s vocals are show-stopping, blowing even Rapp out of the water with her jaw-dropping range and pitch-perfect notes. The duo of Janice and Damien steals the spotlight whenever they’re on screen, injecting infectious energy and humor into the mix. Their chemistry is palpable, making them a memorable highlight.
Bebe Wood is strong as Gretchen Wieners, bringing depth to the character, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Karen Shetty (Avantika). The character has always been a ditzy caricature, even when Amanda Seyfried originated her. However, this time around she’s portrayed as excessively dumb to the point where it becomes unfunny and silly in a way that misses the mark. No one needs Karen to have nuance and depth, but Avantika is far too talented to be playing such a one-note character.
The musical numbers are a mixed bag, with some hitting the mark while others fall flat. Much of this variance can be attributed to the performances and vocals, as the lyrics, in general, tend to be on the silly side. The musical sequences often feel like lively music videos, adding a visually dynamic element to the film, but not necessarily one that feels cohesive with the film at large – or the other musical numbers.
In the end, “Mean Girls” is a fun ride, but you can’t help but wonder if it was entirely necessary. The film successfully captures the essence of the mean girl culture, high school dynamics, and the struggle for acceptance. Despite some vocal shortcomings and uneven musical numbers, the overall experience is enjoyable, thanks to a charismatic cast and moments of genuine humor.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or a newcomer to the world of the Plastics world, there’s something here for everyone – just don’t expect a groundbreaking revelation.
Star Rating: 3 out of 5
“Mean Girls” releases in theaters Friday, January 12, 2024.