LOS ANGELES, California — “Mean Girls,” the highly anticipated movie remake/adaptation, is buzzing with references and cameos that have fans both intrigued and skeptical. Led by Tina Fey, who also starred in the original 2004 film, the new movie combines elements from the Broadway musical adaptation that was released in 2017. Despite not being heavily marketed as a musical, the film incorporates 12 of the 21 songs from the Broadway show.
One of the standout features of the movie is its cast, which pays homage to both the original film and the Broadway production. Reneé Rapp, known for her role in HBO Max’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” took on the role of Regina George, a character she previously portrayed during the musical’s Broadway run. Ashley Park, who originated the role of Gretchen Wieners in the musical, returns as a French teacher at North Shore High. However, the biggest surprise cameo comes from Lindsay Lohan, the original Cady Heron, who appears as the judge of the Mathletes competition.
The new movie cleverly references iconic scenes from the original “Mean Girls.” For example, Gretchen’s attempt to make “fetch” happen in the first movie is alluded to in the remake, where Gretchen exclaims that it’s “so fetch” that Cady is an international student. Another self-referential moment occurs during the Mathletes competition, where the judge remarks on the rarity of a tiebreaker, mirroring a similar scene in the original film.
Keeping with the theme of continuity, the movie maintains a key detail from the original by having Cady and Regina wear necklaces that symbolize their changing relationship. The remake modernizes the look with a trendy half pearl and half gold link chain.
The film also confirms a budding romance between math teacher Ms. Norbury and Principal Duvall, which was hinted at in the original movie. The two are shown living together and giving a joint lecture to the junior girls at North Shore High about the infamous Burn Book.
In conclusion, “Mean Girls” successfully blends elements from the original film and the Broadway musical adaptation. Its numerous references and cameos pay tribute to past versions while adding a fresh twist. Fans of the iconic movie will appreciate the nostalgia and innovative updates that the remake brings to the table.