Give Reneé Rapp an Oscar for Mean Girls
I saw Mean Girls opening weekend. This is my review.
Mean Girls took Broadway by storm in 2018. Or did it? It was up for twelve Tony awards and scored zero (Tina Fey did win a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical which is nothing to sneeze at). The problem with Mean Girls is not the acting, singing or dancing, it's the forgettable songs. "Nell Benjamin's lyrics aren't half as clever as Fey's off-the-cuff wisecracks" said Marilyn Stasio, in her review for Variety. Fey's husband, Jeff Richmond provides music to Benjamin's lyrics and also provided the music for Fey's hit shows 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Even by cutting a few musical numbers that were originally in the Broadway production, the songs from the movie felt like one too many and did nothing to grab me.
A few cast members shined vocally. Auliʻi Cravalho, who also voiced Moana, really stood out, especially on 'I'd Rather Be Me'. Bebe Wood and Angourie Rice can carry a tune, but nothing to write home about. Avantika Vandanapu's vocals were solid on 'Sexy' but her portrayal as Karen was more of a campy caricature rather than a genuinely dumb girl (and she needs to close her mouth.)
And then there's Reneé Rapp: an absolute star. Rapp took over the role as Regina George in the Broadway production's 2019 run. As for the 2024 adaptation, I felt that the actors were either trying to copy the original film or were trying so hard to not say the lines in the same way, but not Reneé. She gave Mean Girls the freshness it deserves. I've known this story since I was a kid and it felt like I was watching it for the very first time. Whenever she was on the screen, I didn't know what would be coming next. And lest we forget her singing.
It almost feels disrespectful to even review her because she is just SO. DAMN. GREAT. Control, range everything technically you could want in a singer with soul and passion to mix. She was almost too good for the movie. Everyone was mediocre compared to her, but I guess that's the allure of Regina George. Rapp has recently stated that she's no longer interested in pursuing acting and wants to focus on her singing career. Her debut album "Snow Angel" came out last year.
I loved seeing Tina Fey and specifically Tim Meadows reprising their roles. I love Tim Meadows. He's a treasure. Ashley Park who originally played Gretchen on Broadway was adorkable as the French teacher and Lindsay Lohan received a round of applause in my theater when she appeared as the moderator at the Mathletes competition (started by me but that's besides the point). I also chuckled seeing Megan Thee Stallion's cameo and I enjoyed the collab she did with Rapp, 'Not My Fault', that played over the end credits.
I liked the concept of having the film take place in a Gen Z universe, although a little over the top and dare I say, cringey, at times (and I was born in 1998...) The not so subtle switch from the pink to blue costumes and aesthetics to symbolize the school's stances, Regina (pink) vs. Cady (blue), had Emerald Fennell rolling in her grave and she's not even dead (see my Saltburn review below). Rapp's costumes were my favorite. I went to Urban Outfitters right after the movie to buy pants like hers because I'm not a crazy fangirl or anything. Why do you ask?
All in all, I'm glad I saw Mean Girls. It was apart of my preteen years and the references will never get old. I know the Oscar nominations are probably set by now, but that doesn't mean Reneé can't get some write in votes for Best Actress right. Right? Well she wins in my book.
Score 5/10 overall.
11/10 for Renee content.
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