Mean Girls is a cult classic all about teenage girls and their interactions and underlying tensions, pleasingly dramatized for comedic value. The flawed but appealing lead, Cady (Lindsay Lohan), moves into a new area and is thrust into a completely unfamiliar group of kids and a set of unspoken school rules. She quickly learns of the trio her fast friends call the “plastics,” lead by the charming and fiercely competitive Regina George (Rachel McAdams). Through many mistakes and a few valuable reconciliations, Cady learns the importance of being true to herself and a good friend to others. I’ve always found this movie to be entertainingly over-the-top, but grounded enough that I can find elements to relate to. The soundtrack has also played a huge role in making this the iconic film that it is, not to mention the talented (predominantly female) actors who convincingly sold each of the different cliché caricatures of high school students.

It has that early 2000s glamor that’s become so popular in recent years, as well as some slightly distasteful early 2000s humor; all while still providing the audience with a timeless lesson.

9/10