Review of Mean Girls (2004) by Ssnow2 — 16 Oct 2013

In 2004, one of the most popular “chick flicks” was released, leaving a large impact on a majority of the female teenage population throughout the United States. Role model of the 2000’s decade, Lindsay Lohan, stars in the movie Mean Girls, leaving her with even more fame and popularity. This film takes place in a modern day Chicago suburb.

After living in the jungles of Africa, Cady (Lindsay Lohan) is forced to attend a public high school for the first time. On her first day, she receives a culture shock, when she comes to the realization that she has no friends, and after sorting out the students via stereotypes, recognizes she has no one to fit in with either. One of the main groups she picks out is “The Plastics”, who is led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and her two followers, Gretchen (Lacey Chabert) and Karen (Amanda Seyfried). Throughout the film, the viewer sees Cady struggle as she tries to fit in with this group, while at the same time maintaining her friendship with the not-so-popular kids, Damian (Daniel Franzese) and Janis (Lizzy Caplan), who, cannot stand “The Plastics”. All the while, Cady realizes that Regina George does not deserve the respect she receives from everyone, so she sets out to sabotage her with the help of Janis and Damian. After a handful of pranks played on Regina, Cady chases after Regina’s ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett). Throughout the film, the girls bring up the “Burn Book”, which is a collection of photos and rude comments of various students at their high school. When Cady and Regina get into their largest fight, Regina goes against Cady by bringing the “Burn Book” to the principal, causing complete chaos throughout the entire school, and ultimately causing an intervention for all of the students to attend.

The acting in this film was well beyond my expectations. Each cast member played their role particularly well and fit the exact description of that specific stereotype. For example, Regina George is supposed to be the popular girl in high school that everyone either loves, or loves to hate. And in this case, Regina George was that girl that everyone loves to hate, simply because she is perfect in everything that she does. Also, Lindsay Lohan does an excellent job at playing both roles the “regular” girl and The Plastic.

Another part of this movie that was done exceptionally well was the comedy behind the film. When this film came out, most people specifically older than 21 did not seem to find themselves necessarily wanting to watch the movie. However, once the viewer actually sits down to watch the film, regardless of age, he or she is bound to find themselves laughing. The dialogue itself is sure get the entire crowd in tears of laughter. Both the director and the screenwriter did a brilliant job at luring the audience in even the older crowd.

I believe the film was an overall perfect example of what high school is sought out to be for a high school girl. From the different stereotypes, to the struggles of fitting in, the director did a tremendous job at producing a film that everyone regardless of age, gender, race, etc. will want to watch. The viewer gets a good look at the particular gender role throughout high school as well as the variety of stereotypes that are seen in today’s high school society.