“Watch your back.”

• PG-13
• 2004
• 1 hr 37 min

• 7.1  (456,237)

• 66

Mean Girls is a 2004 teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters, starring Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett, and Rachel McAdams. The screenplay was written by Tina Fey, based in part on the 2002 non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, which describes female high school social cliques and the damaging effects they can have on girls.

The story follows Cady Heron, a 16-year-old homeschooled student who moves from Africa to the United States and enters public high school for the first time. She quickly becomes friends with two misfits, Janis Ian and Damian, and is soon noticed by the school’s most popular clique, the Plastics, led by the beautiful but manipulative Regina George. At first, Cady is just happy to be accepted by the Plastics, but as she becomes more involved with them, she begins to see the dark side of their social games and the toll they take on individuals and friendships.

The film is a humorous take on the high school experience, with exaggerated characters and situations that highlight the ridiculousness and cruelty of teenage social dynamics. Lohan shines as the protagonist, navigating the tricky waters of popularity while staying true to her own values and beliefs. McAdams delivers a standout performance as Regina, showcasing both her charm and her cruelty as she wields her power over her classmates. Bennett also impresses as Cady’s love interest, Aaron Samuels, a sweet and sincere boy who becomes caught up in the Plastics’ drama.

The film is also notable for its sharp writing and witty dialogue, reflecting Fey’s background as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live. The humor ranges from broad physical comedy to biting satire, with memorable lines like Regina’s catchphrase, “That’s so fetch,” and a hilarious subplot involving a mathlete who turns to the dark side. The film also addresses serious themes like bullying, body shaming, and identity formation in a way that is both relatable and entertaining.

Overall, Mean Girls is a hilarious and insightful take on the high school experience, with memorable performances, sharp writing, and a strong message about the importance of being true to oneself. It has become a beloved classic of the teen movie genre, and remains popular with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of Lindsay Lohan, a lover of witty banter, or just looking for a fun and heartwarming film, Mean Girls is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, Mean Girls is a comedy classic that portrays the difficulties of adolescence in a relatable and entertaining way. With standout performances from Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, smart writing by Tina Fey, and a message about the importance of staying true to oneself, it is a film that has stood the test of time and remains as relevant today as it was in 2004.

Mean Girls is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 66.