Mean Girls: an OK (girl) teen movie

Even after nearly 20 years, it seems that Mean Girls is still a pop culture phenomenon. I had to see it for myself to know why. I can see it, even though I'm not the target audience

Cady (Katie) is a 16-year-old who has been homeschooled all her life because her parents lived in Africa (the whole continent I guess). Her first day at school is quite brutal; nevertheless she does start forming bonds with the Plastics, who are as artificial as their name suggests...

Even 20 years ago, I wouldn't have been the target audience. And yet, the movie does offer interesting perspectives: sense of belonging, backstabbing, betrayal, bitching, etc. Cady starts as a "spy" on the Plastics, only to eventually supplant Regina George.

Speaking of her, I liked how her mom (father nowhere to be seen) was just trying to be a best friend and was submitted to her own daughter - SHE stayed in the master bedroom. It reminded me of Cuties, where similarly laxist parents can be seen.

But because of the age, the movie does show some problematic stereotypes like the "super" gay character who doesn't bring much and his sexually-ambiguous friend whom Regina suspects to be a lesbian.

Nevertheless, the movie is worth a watch, especially if you have teen daughters. They should learn that a "book of burn" will eventually get out in the open and you will regret sneakily mocking people in their backs

final rating (myself): 3/5
for teens: 4/5