tobycross

In the grand tradition of taking things that were perfectly fine to begin with and slapping on a musical number to see if it sticks, the cinematic world has been graced (or burdened, depending on your tolerance for high school drama set to song) with a musical reboot of 2004's "Mean Girls." Now, before you roll your eyes so hard they embark on an orbit of their own, let's dissect this glitterbomb of a film.

First off, the color scheme. If Barbie ever decided to make a movie about high school hierarchy, this would be it. The palette is so bright and candy-colored, you'll be halfway through a bag of Skittles before the first chorus hits. But this isn't just any candy-coated spectacle; it's one with a soundtrack that slaps harder than Regina George on a carb-free day. The music in this reboot isn't just good; it's a character-driven symphony, each leitmotif weaving through the narrative like a well-placed burn in the Burn Book.

Now, let's talk depth-or the notable lack thereof. Yes, the characters are as shallow as a kiddie pool in a drought, but they're drawn with such sharp, caricatured finesse, you can't help but be intrigued. They're the same Plastics we love to hate, but with enough of a twist to keep them from feeling like stale, reheated leftovers from the early 2000s.

The cinematography deserves a shoutout. Transitioning from the wild plains of Kenya to the jungle of American high school corridors, the film employs some clever cuts and visual tricks that keep your eyes glued to the screen, wondering what they'll throw at you next. It's like being on a safari, if the animals were replaced with teenagers navigating the social pecking order.

And the plot? It zips along with the speed of gossip through the lunchroom, engaging and entertaining without overstaying its welcome. This reboot brings a fresh twist to the tale, ensuring that even those familiar with the original will find something new to enjoy.

In summary, the "Mean Girls" musical reboot is a high-energy, visually dazzling affair that proves even the most cynical among us can't resist the pull of well-crafted pop numbers and a dash of high school nostalgia. It's shallow, yes, but like the perfect Instagram filter, it knows its strengths and plays to them beautifully. So fetch your popcorn, leave your deep thoughts at the door, and prepare for a ride that's as entertaining as it is unabashedly flamboyant.

Many reviews seem to demand some 'novelty' from this genre but if you are looking for the faithful vampire tropes, some interesting characters and a premise that is somewhere between The Thing and Dracula then this show delivers.

There are some pacing issues and, sure, the odd inconsistency but I'd be happy to watch a second season.

Don't get me wrong. It's a great movie, and well worth a watch, but it lacks the emotional, visceral engagement of Dunkirk or Saving Private Ryan. I didn't feel vested enough in the characters. Their backstories were very thin. And there was little juxtaposition between the action and, well, anything else.

Overall, a great CGI packed action movie but more popcorn flick than gut-wrencher.