A new “Mean Girls” movie is now playing in theaters. Mean Girls 2024 premiered on the big screens Jan. 12. Naturally, this version of “Mean Girls” and the original “Mean Girls” movie have some similarities and differences.
The first significant difference between the two movies is Mean Girls 2024 is a musical. However, the musical aspect of this movie was not advertised when the movie was being promoted. According to BBC News, a studio boss felt advertising it as a musical would sway audiences away from the movie. Additionally, the boss felt it downplayed the genre of the movie.
The next difference between the movies is the main character, Cady, specifically, Cady’s parents. In the original movie, Cady lived with both parents, and they weren’t as involved in the movie. In the new movie, Cady lives with her mother only and they have a deeper relationship.
The last major difference to discuss is the cliques. In the original Mean Girls, the cliques were a vital point of the plot. In the new version of Mean Girls, the clique tour was very short and wasn’t a big part of the plot. The plot of the new movie, in simplest terms, is how to ruin Regina George’s life.
Despite the movie having many differences from the original one, there were still comparisons.
One comparison is the characters. Principal Duvall and Ms. Norbury, the calculus teacher, are portrayed by the same actors who were cast for the original movie. Also, most of the characters in the movie are the same, but they’re portrayed by different actors.
Another similarity is in the script. Besides the musical aspects, there are many one-liners in the original movie that were also in the new one.
Additionally, the iconic Burn Book, which is featured in the original movie, is also in the new one. However, the new movie explains that the Burn Book was written when students got their phones taken away.
The last comparison to mention is the Spring Fling Dance. The dance in the new movie is very similar to the original. Cady’s speech, her winning queen and the mathletes going to the dance after their competition are in both the original and the new movie.
Next, I liked that the movie was so similar to the original. It gave me a nostalgic feeling. The music was an unexpected aspect of the movie, but it made it different from the original movie. There were a couple of songs that didn’t hit the mark, like the song “Revenge Party” for example.
Moreover, critics seem to like the new “Mean Girls” movie. Marya E. Gates says, “the film is a vinegary cautionary tale, an angry screed against being mean for meanness sake, and a love letter to teens who are comfortable just being themselves.” I’d have to agree with her. The “Mean Girls” movie is one of those feel-good films.
All in all, the new Mean Girls movie had its fair share of differences from the original, but it also had many similarities. It’s a movie worth seeing. For those interested in seeing Mean Girls, it’s showing in theaters. Remember to bring your student ID to see about a discount.