Mean Girls

Usually, American high school comedies don't fly very high, and are content to reinforce the fairly conformist image that teenagers may have of themselves. Between the first sexual romps in vulgar fashion, all kinds of parties that normally degenerate into orgies of vomit or other filthy discharges, and the contest to be the prettiest, the most popular or the most athletic, the preoccupations of pubescent girls are numerous and very rarely endowed with originality or intelligence. The few exceptions to the rule focus more on the relationship between teenagers and adults, going beyond the specific framework of high school students (L'Arriviste or Dans la peau de ma mère, for example).

Hence our astonishment, even our enthusiasm, for this mischievous comedy, which, while following a few familiar paths, manages to make the genre less conformist and less boring. The voice-over narration, the insistent repetition of some original ideas at the start (transposing the same kind of situation to Africa), and the almost tiresome return of certain jokes (the school bus) are certainly not among the film's strong points. However, these minor flaws pale in comparison with the irreverent, tolerant tone that energizes the whole.

Indeed, the funniest comedies, in our humble opinion, are those in which everyone takes the piss. Nothing seems sacred here, not family, not school, not love, not race, not looks, not sexual orientation. And yet, these "naughty girls" - the original title undoubtedly outshines its clumsy French adaptation by one effort - seem to be one of the most open-minded and, let's hope, most representative of the mentality of the younger generation, of those precisely aimed at them. As a biting reflection on the quest for identity, which for once delivers an enlightened message (judging others doesn't make us smarter or happier), this comedy rises far above its competition and proves, if proof were needed, that even the most immature genre can produce sparkling gems.

Mean Girls
Directed by Mark Waters
Written by Tina Fey
Based on Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
Produced by Lorne Michaels
With Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tim Meadows, Ana Gasteyer, Lizzy Caplan, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey
Cinematography: Daryn Okada
Editing: Wendy Greene Bricmont
Music: Rolfe Kent
Production company: Broadway Video
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates: April 19, 2004 (Cinerama Dome), April 30, 2004 (USA), January 26, 2005 (France)
Running time: 97 minutes

Seen February 15, 2005, at UGC Forum Orient Express, Room 5, in OV
Reviewed on September 27, 2008, on DVD, in OV

Tootpadu's Mark:

Mean Girls, a modern classic of teen comedy, celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year with a resonance that transcends generations and, above all, the release of a sequel with the same name. Tina Fey's sharp, insightful script, based on Rosalind Wiseman's book Queen Bees and Wannabes, elevates the film beyond the typical high school comedy, delving into the complexities of teenage social dynamics, self-discovery and the quest for identity.

At the heart of the film is Lindsay Lohan's remarkable performance as Cady Heron, a socially uninitiated teen pushed into the high school jungle after being homeschooled in Africa. The clever use of Cady's past allows the film to draw parallels between the animal kingdom and the ruthless social hierarchy of high school, creating a nervy comedy that lives up to its title.

Tina Fey's script defies stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of the various high school archetypes. Even the seemingly nerdy Mathletes are endowed with a cool, edgy side that challenges traditional cliques. The Plastics, led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams) and flanked by Lacey Chabert and Amanda Seyfried, are initially presented as the epitome of bad girls. However, Fey's script peels back the layers, revealing their own struggles with image, self-esteem and societal expectations.

Lindsay Lohan's portrayal of Cady is a testament to her versatility: she navigates the character's journey from social outcast to reluctant member of the Plastics, ultimately becoming the queen of naughtiness. The audience is deftly kept in Cady's camp throughout her odyssey of self-discovery, a testament to both the writing and Lohan's ability to maintain the character's underlying goodness.

Director Mark Waters successfully blends young talent with seasoned performers, creating a film with striking comic results. The chemistry between the actors, including supporting roles played by Lizzy Caplan and Daniel Franzese, contributes to the film's enduring appeal. The on-screen presence of Tina Fey as Mrs. Norbury adds moments of humor, even if the character's interventions can seem somewhat out of place in the overall narrative.

Although the film's climax may seem somewhat forced and disjointed, it effectively delivers the film's underlying messages without sacrificing the sharpness of its comedy. The ensemble cast, relatable subject matter and intelligent exploration of high school drama make Mean Girls a timeless classic. Its wit, humor and memorable characters have cemented its status as a pop culture phenomenon, keeping it relevant and appreciated by all age groups. As it celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, Mean Girls remains a must-see series for those navigating the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who have already survived it. We recommend that you revisit this film before discovering its new version, to be released this Wednesday in France and this Friday in the USA.

Mean Girls
Directed by Mark Waters
Written by Tina Fey
Based on Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
Produced by Lorne Michaels
Starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tim Meadows, Ana Gasteyer, Lizzy Caplan, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey
Cinematography : Daryn Okada
Edited by Wendy Greene Bricmont
Music by Rolfe Kent
Production company : Broadway Video
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates : April 19, 2004 (Cinerama Dome), April 30, 2004 (United States), Jannuary 26, 2005 (France)
Running time : 97 minutes

Reviewed on January 7, 2024 (Blu-ray)

Mulder's Mark: