The acclaimed 2004 film “Mean Girls” was the epitome of entertainment for many, becoming an enduring classic from the time it was released 20 years ago. The raunchy jokes and provocative plot lines were what made the original film so iconic. Unfortunately, the newly released “Mean Girls” of 2024 does not carry the same memorable nature.
“Mean Girls” was released on Jan. 12, 2024, and, ever since, has received extreme backlash. Unbeknownst to many, this film was a rendition of the 2018 Broadway musical adaptation of the movie, and not based on the original 2004 film. This information, however, still will not deter the criticism this film has received across social media.
There are many reasons viewers are displeased with the new version and have taken to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) to express these critiques.
Quote from Norah McNeece
A Marketing Nightmare
One of the most prominent complaints is the e.l.f. Beauty product placement is seen throughout the film. This blatant use of product placement was too frequent and too blatant to go unnoticed by the audience. Not only were these products not seen in the original film, but there was no product placement at all. Many social media users felt this made the film feel inauthentic, almost corny. Unfortunately, this was only the beginning of the long list of differences, and grievances, between the films.
Stop Changing What’s Working
Another complaint from the audience was the fact that the 2024 version of “Mean Girls” was a musical. Although it was stated this version was a rendition of the Broadway musical, this information was unknown by many, leaving the audience dissatisfied. Singing was not a large aspect of the original film but was extremely apparent in the new film.
Many critics felt the singing felt forced, and/or that it did not belong in the film. Music and singing are often used in film to express genuine emotions or to develop the plot, but for many, this fell short in the 2024 version.
Another complaint is the notable plot disparities between the original and the newly released film. Gossip was spread through social media, rather than high school hallways. The story is told by Janis and Damian rather than in voiceovers from Cady which would mirror the original. The 1980s humor used in the original film, including inappropriate and risqué jokes, was replaced by far more tame lines to cater to a Generation Z audience.
I-C-O-N-I-C
Several iconic punchlines were taken out to promote inclusivity and detract from the offensive nature of the original film. These plot and line changes were a significant reason the viewers felt the 2024 film did not live up to the original.
Everything that made the original film sly and exciting, has been removed or altered. This left viewers disappointed. These changes did not create the iconic, borderline inappropriate feeling the original “Mean Girls” had.
Many viewers also critique the fashion in the 2024 film. Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., the directors of “Mean Girls”, had the opportunity to utilize the trending Y2K fashion trend, and pay homage to the style seen in the original film. Short skirts, low-waisted bottoms, velour tracksuits and graphic tank tops were the uniform of “The Plastics”. Instead, the directors chose to dress the cast in clothes catered to 2024.
Again, this change was not supported by the audience, and many took to social media to express their opinion on how the cast should have been dressed.
“Mean Girls” released in 2024 left many viewers disappointed that this rendition did not remotely compare to the iconic, universally recognized original film. The audience felt underwhelmed for several reasons and had taken to social media to express their frustrations. Tweet us, @VALLEYmag your opinions about this movie.
