Watch your back!
In its
approach to teen comedy, this film is much
closer to "Heathers" than a John Hughes
film...and it's blessed with a razor sharp
script by Saturday Night Live's own Tina Fey,
who also makes a nice move to the big screen in
a supporting role in the film. This film is
funnier than its trailer.
Lindsey Lohan offers another strong performance
here as Cady, a sixteen-year-old who was raised
in Africa by her parents before moving to
Evanston, Illinois. Her transition to high
school is, of course, traumatic until she
attracts attention by the "Plastics." Of course,
she has her "loser friends" and is attracted to
the star athlete, who just happens to be
Regina's (head of the "Plastics") ex-boyfriend.
Sure, there are lots of teen film stereotypes
here...but, the script by Fey takes these
stereotypes and develops witty observations,
dark comedy and moments of great insight. The
film pushes the envelope for a PG-13 film, and
I'd caution against younger children seeing this
film.
The performances back up the script nicely,
including a funny, sensitive performance by
Fey...a wonderful turn by Lohan and a nice
performance by "too gay to function" Daniel
Franzese." As "The Plastics," relative newcomers
Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert and Rachel
McAdams all turn in strong performances. My only
quibble with casting, and I've read several
critics who disagreed, is with Tim Meadows.
Perhaps it is my fondness for the Jimmy
Fallon/Tina Fey teamwork, but this just felt
awkward to me. Meadows' flirting simply never
seemed believable, and his facial expressions
just seemed plain bizarre. The only exception to
this feeling was during his response to the
discovery of "The Burn Book," in which Meadows
is allowed to cut loose and he begins to shine.
You will find SNL cameos, of course, since this
film is produced by Lorne Michaels...along with
Fey and Meadows, you have an appearance by Ana
Gasteyer as Cady's mom, Amy Poehler with a
hilarious turn as Mrs. George and a brief
appearance by Molly Shannon.
The film features a great soundtrack, including
a closing cover of "Dancing With Myself" by The
Donnas.
This film is a great matinee, and highly
recommended for fans of Tina Fey (as a writer or
performer). Fans of teen films will find much to
like here, and those who have not so fond
memories of high school will chuckle with
familiarity. "Mean Girls" is a nice way to spend
an afternoon.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
I had tons of
fun with this film. It clearly shows that
Lindsay Lohan has great potential. Other
than looking sublime in virtually every shot of
this film, she actually shows some great comedic
timing. She is perfectly cast here.
This film reminded me most of the 90's cult
classic, "Clueless". Great fun!
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
