Dallas, Texas – The movie musical remake of a Broadway show, inspired by Mark Waters’ 2004 comedy depicting high school hierarchies, offers little in terms of originality. Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr, the film stays faithful to the original movie’s narrative beats, following Cady, who moves from Kenya to an American school and is embraced by the popular clique known as the “Plastics.”
Despite its lack of innovation, “Mean Girls” does present a few notable strengths. Renée Rapp effortlessly channels her Broadway role as the queen bee Regina George, exuding a predatory charm. However, the true standout is Avantika in the role of Karen, the endearingly dimwitted member of the Plastics. Her impeccable comedic timing and show-stopping musical number at a Halloween party, titled “Sexy,” alone make the film worth watching.
While some dance sequences in the movie, particularly the lackluster “Apex Predator” number, falter, overall, “Mean Girls” manages to entertain. The film relies heavily on its talented cast to bring life to well-known characters from the original movie, with Angourie Rice delivering a solid performance as the lead, Cady.
One cannot help but question the purpose of this remake, as it closely mirrors its predecessor without offering much in terms of fresh ideas. Nevertheless, the familiar story combined with the captivating performances of the cast ensures that “Mean Girls” remains an enjoyable viewing experience.
As the movie musical makes its way to audiences, fans of the original movie may find comfort in revisiting the familiar high school drama. However, it is evident that Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr’s directorial debut lacks the innovation necessary to set it apart from the cherished 2004 classic.