The recent movie-musical adaptation of the 2000s hit classic “Mean Girls” left both musical fans and musical haters disappointed. The unclear advertising left many unsatisfied with how the movie was represented, and many argued the outfits appeared cheap and unlike what the “it-girls” would wear. Additionally, the obvious product placement left the audience feeling like the movie was a money grab when it was supposed to be highlighting the actors’ talent and bringing attention to a classic.
Many feel the unclear advertisements of the movie were the biggest letdown. Many audience members did not know they were not walking in to watch a musical and more often than not felt they were tricked by the trailer. However, if they were aware it was a musical many felt let down that it was not advertised as such, like they were trying to “hide” it.
According to a Variety article, Paramount’s marketing President, Marc Weinstock, admitted it was not marketed as a musical because musicals “have the potential to turn off audiences.”
Not only did the movie fail expectations in marketing but many felt the actors fell flat as well because, once again, the musicality of it was hidden and softened to be more palatable for audiences.
As usual, the comment section of the social media app, TikTok, had the most to say about the singing quality of the musical with many commenters emphasizing the actors do not have a Broadway tone and it sounds like artificial intelligence. One user on TikTok under the username of @cconnormurphyy even went as far as asking, “Why would u make a musical if the singing is gonna sound like poorly autotuned doodoo ☹️,” emphasizing the audience’s overall distaste for the film.
Despite many die-hard “Mean Girls” fans being overall disappointed with the remake, the movie still held a number one spot at the box office, offered a lot of publicity for everyone involved and invited many lovers of the original to reminisce about the 2000s.
In the words of dance-pop cultural icon Jojo Siwa, the remake of the iconic film “[did not] let the haters get their way.”
