Mean Girls is a 2004 American teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters, written by Tina Fey, and starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried (in her film acting debut), Tim Meadows, Ana Gasteyer, Amy Poehler and Fey. The supporting cast includes Lizzy Caplan, Jonathan Bennett, Daniel Franzese and Neil Flynn. The screenplay is based in part on Rosalind Wiseman's 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes, which describes female high school social cliques, school bullying and the damaging effect they can have on teenagers.
The film follows Cady Heron (Lohan), a teenage girl who has been homeschooled all her life. When her family moves to the suburbs of Illinois, Cady is enrolled in public high school for the first time. She quickly falls in with a group of popular girls known as the Plastics, led by the queen bee, Regina George (McAdams).
At first, Cady is drawn to the Plastics' glamour and popularity. However, she soon realizes that they are cruel and manipulative. Regina is particularly vindictive, and she goes to great lengths to sabotage Cady's relationships and reputation.
Cady eventually decides to stand up to Regina and the Plastics. She also learns the importance of being true to herself and her friends.
Mean Girls is a sharp and funny satire of high school culture. It is also a coming-of-age story about a young woman who learns to stand up for herself and what she believes in.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $129 million worldwide at the box office. It is considered to be one of the best teen comedies of all time.
Mean Girls has also been praised for its portrayal of female friendship and its positive message about self-acceptance. The film has resonated with audiences of all ages, and it continues to be popular today.
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Cast
- Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, a 16-year-old girl who transfers to a public high school after being homeschooled her whole life in Africa and Aaron Samuels' love interest.
- Jessie Wright as 5-year-old Cady.
- Rachel McAdams as Regina George, a rich, popular mean girl. Regina is Janis' ex-best friend, current rival and leader of The Plastics.
- Lacey Chabert as Gretchen Wieners, an insecure rich girl and a member of the Plastics who only wants Regina's acceptance.
- Amanda Seyfried as Karen Smith, a ditsy but sweet member of the Plastics and Gretchen's best friend.
- Lizzy Caplan as Janis Ian, an artistic, rebellious goth who befriends Cady and hatches a plan to take down Regina. Janis is Damian's best friend and Regina's ex-best friend and current rival.
- Daniel Franzese as Damian Leigh, Janis' gay best friend who is very flamboyant.
Jonathan Bennett as Aaron Samuels, a senior on the football, soccer and swim teams, Regina's ex-boyfriend, and Cady's love interest. - Rajiv Surendra as Kevin Gnapoor, the "hormonal Mathletes president" who is attracted to Janis.
- Tina Fey as Ms. Sharon Norbury, the school Math teacher, whom the Burn Book defames as a drug dealer.
- Tim Meadows as Principal Ron Duvall, the principal of North Shore High School.
- Amy Poehler as June George, Regina and Kylie's irresponsible mother.
- Ana Gasteyer as Betsy Heron, Cady's mother.
- Neil Flynn as Chip Heron, Cady's father.
- Daniel DeSanto as Jason, Gretchen's unfaithful boyfriend.
- Diego Klattenhoff as Shane Oman, a football player who has an on-and-off relationship with Regina.
- Alisha Morrison as Lea Edwards.
- Julia Chantrey as Amber D'Alessio, a victim of the Burn Book.
- Molly Shanahan as Kristen Hadley, an athletic girl on the Lacrosse team.
- Jan Caruana as Emma Gerber.
- Jacky Chamberlain as Giselle Sigro.
- Olympia Lukis as Jessica Lopez.
- Dwayne Hill as Coach Carr, the school's physical education teacher whom the Burn Book exposes as a sex offender.
- Jonathan Malen as Kristen's boyfriend.
- Nicole Crimi as Kylie George, Regina's younger sister.
- Dan Willmott as Mr. George, Regina and Kylie's wealthy father.
- Laura de Carteret as Taylor Wedell's Mom
Director: Samantha Jayne Arturo Perez Jr.
Writers: Nell Benjamin Tina Fey
Box Office Gross: $130,126,277
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: April 30, 2004