The recent remake of Mean Girls has generated quite a buzz in popular culture since its release last month. Written by Tina Fey, who also penned the original film, this new version of Mean Girls has been updated for 2024 and incorporates songs from the Broadway musical adaptation. Fey has described the movie as a hybrid of the 2004 film and the musical.
Upon its debut in theaters, the remake was met with a wave of enthusiasm from many viewers who adored the film. However, as is often the case with highly-anticipated releases, there were also some negative reactions. These detractors took to TikTok to voice their criticisms, with many of the complaints centering around the differences between the stage musical and the 2024 movie.
One common grievance was the exclusion of some songs from the stage musical in the movie. It should be noted, though, that it was never officially confirmed that all the songs would be included. There were also a few changes made to melodies and lyrics, which prompted dissatisfaction among some viewers.
Interestingly, a significant number of viewers even expressed surprise at the movie being a musical in the first place. They claimed they had not been aware of this fact prior to watching it in the theaters. It is worth noting that the movie was not intended to be a direct translation of the musical, but rather its own unique interpretation.
Another point of contention was the casting of Angourie Rice as Cady Heron. Some viewers felt that Rice's portrayal lacked the same vibrancy and depth found in the stage musical performance. However, it's important to recognize that the movie and the musical are distinct entities, and Rice was specifically chosen for the role by Tina Fey herself. In fact, Fey personally reached out to Rice via email to ask her to star in the film. Rice admitted to feeling nervous about accepting the role, as she wanted to do justice to the character.
Addressing the criticism, Tina Fey recently responded to the negative reception of the movie. In a podcast episode of Las Culturistas, she candidly expressed her thoughts. Fey defended her choices by referencing the talented cast members she brought on board, including Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho, and Jaquel Spivey. Fey's frustration with the backlash was evident as she stated, 'This is why we can't have nice things.' It is likely that she was specifically referring to criticisms regarding certain two lines in the song 'Revenge Party,' where the melody sung by Angourie Rice differed from that in the stage musical.
While Tina Fey is one of the few individuals to address the negative feedback, it remains to be seen how the general consensus will evolve over time. Mean Girls has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on popular culture, and each iteration of the story offers a unique perspective. Whether you loved or loathed the remake, it is clear that Mean Girls continues to captivate audiences and provoke spirited discussions.
