Why was the new Mean Girls so bad?

The 2024 rendition of “Mean Girls” as a musical faced its fair share of critiques, leaving many disappointed for various reasons.

Firstly, it failed to capture the essence that made the 2004 film a classic, lacking the sharp wit and clever dialogue that defined its predecessor. Instead, the humor often felt forced and exaggerated, missing the mark.

Additionally, the abundance of musical numbers, while enjoyable for some, disrupted the flow of the narrative for many, slowing down the pace of the movie and feeling unnecessary.

Character portrayals also fell short of expectations, with some characters losing their comedic edge in attempts to avoid offensive stereotypes.

Regina George, though well-acted, lacked the complexity and cruelty that made her character compelling in the original.

Moreover, the film’s messaging seemed muddled, particularly with its ending where Janis embraces “badassery” in response to adversity, conflicting with the original’s emphasis on kindness and self-acceptance.

Lastly, many questioned the need for a remake, especially one that didn’t offer anything significantly new or insightful compared to the culturally relevant 2004 version.

While there were aspects of the film that some enjoyed, overall, these criticisms underscore why it failed to meet the expectations set by its beloved predecessor and garnered predominantly negative reviews.