Mean Girls directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is a story about four girls considered the "Plastics" that explores the cliques in high school and the sociology behind high school students. Because it was such an integrated part of culture, I was always curious how a movie about bullying and the extremes of high school popularity could be America's favorite, so I finally watched it on a school weekend.
During the movie, Regina George and Cady Heron's identities and interactions were intriguing. There was the Queen Bee Regina George, who leads the group of Plastics, and Cady Heron, who starts to become integrated in the Plastic groups. Regina George is someone who is experienced in the way of the Queen Bee and knows well how to bring someone down. On the other hand, Cady Heron is someone who does not know the dynamics between girls and soon learns to understand and adapt them. The interaction between Plastics interested me because although they hated each other and tried to bring each other down, they need each other to maintain their social status. From outside, the way the girls behave seemed unnecessary and extremely toxic as they do not benefit each other and only harm others and themselves. However, I do understand that in that situation and in that time, it is hard to see the effects and the consequences of one's actions.
Additionally, Cady's change from a girl who was homeschooled to someone very similar to Regina George was also a one of the most important and interesting events to see. Although Cady did grow in social status and in popularity, she had to sacrifice so many things in order to achieve this "status." In the end, Cady did not gain much but only criticism and a lesson to learn from. The way Cady was so caught up in the scheme of the environment around her made her loose her footing and the identity of her true self (math).
One thing I disliked the movie was that the movie seemed to wrap up and find a solution for the bullying that occurred too quickly (in a day!) and that the drama was solely focused on girls. The scene in the gym shined a fact that everyone dealt with these imperfect friendships and created an overall connection in the group. However, it seemed too magical that several weeks, and years, of tensions and hurt could easily be resolved with a lecture and a speech from Cady. In my mind, I do wish that life and the tensions we have with others can easily be cleaned up, but in the end, there are always situations in life that are similar (maybe not as extreme) as the Plastics.
Overall, I did enjoy the movie and hopefully others can watch it!
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