Mean Girls (2024)

The critic calls it a sharp, funny musical that successfully updates the original template, especially when offering new lines and evolutions in language around progressive discourse. It rewards both newcomers and fans while fleshing out characters through song.

The lively musical remake keeps the story's comic vision of teen culture alive through strong performances, especially from Rapp and Rice, and effective songs that highlight its themes.

The critic finds the self-aware musical remake pretty good at reminding viewers why the original is fun. The updated social media references and Reneé Rapp's committed performance as Regina are singled out for praise.

The musical format suits the material better than the original film, delivering an amusingly histrionic sugar-rush with plenty of laughs and fun along the way. It sags in an over-extended third act with some strained business, though classic gags land effectively.

The musical remake remains a smart and relatable look at teen turmoil, with decent direction incorporating the numbers dynamically and strong turns from the young cast including Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey. However, the songs lack memorable hooks and comic snap, and the film feels overly faithful to the original without enough fresh bite.

The musical remake is likable but over-padded and less tart than the original, yet it retains its ingratiating charms and appeal.

The critic finds the musical remake energetic with well-staged numbers that offer character insights and playful fantasy, but faults it for sanding down the original's sharp, edgy tone into something less spiky and more neutered. Standout praise goes to the performances and songs of Reneé Rapp as Regina and Auli’i Cravalho as Janis.

The critic describes it as an enjoyable but safe redo that feels like the old Mean Girls with smartphones, lacking freshness and daring despite solid casting and some fun adult performances. Songs and set pieces are singled out as often underwhelming or cookie-cutter.

The big-screen version of the Broadway musical lacks the depth, charm and panache of the 2004 original despite its energy and fidelity to the story of high-school cliques. A few songs stand out, but the razzle-dazzle often distracts, leaving the film feeling like a high-school reunion with little reason to linger.

The musical remake is tiresome and overworked, with insipid songs and excessive callbacks that fail to capture the original's spark despite strong turns from Rapp and Cravalho.

The critic finds the film an unsatisfying rehash that recycles the original's punchlines and early-2000s dilemmas with little innovation or fresh take on contemporary teen life. Strong performances from René Rapp and Auliʻi Cravalho are singled out as highlights amid budget constraints and cut songs.

The critic finds the musical remake a tuneless, labored mess that drains the fun from the material. The awkward, over-produced songs shoehorned in via social media framing are singled out for complaint.

The critic calls it a fun, fetch amalgamation of the original film and Broadway musical that updates high-school dynamics for a new generation, with less bite but more empathy. They single out the strong cast, especially Reneé Rapp's Regina George, and the improved ending for praise.

The 2024 Mean Girls is a fun update to the story that benefits from a strong cast and some standout musical numbers, though it does not surpass the original film.

The critic calls it a middling rehash that is perfectly entertaining but no match for the original. They single out the solid but unspectacular songs and the strong performances, particularly Reneé Rapp selling her numbers.

The critic finds the 2024 musical remake a sanitized, muddled mash-up that is too lean on story and character development despite its length. Renee Rapp's commanding turn as Regina George is singled out as the sole highlight amid otherwise wasted talent and preachy musical numbers.

The critic finds the musical remake fun but notes it has lost some of the original's teeth and nuance. They single out the young cast for praise, especially Reneé Rapp's electric and magnetic performance as Regina.