Another Look at Mean Girls!

Last weekend, I watched the movie, Mean Girls, for the second time. The first was in the theater, as the chaperone to a car full of middle school girls. I thought it was cute, but I was more interested in the girls’ opinions about mean girl realism in their world than I was my own take. I wasn’t even seriously writing YA.

But this time was different. For Kirkus Reviews made a reference to it in their review of The ABC’s of Kissing Boys. Here’s the last line:

“...This is familiar territory for anyone who's seen Mean Girls, but Ferraro's protagonist is resilient enough to withstand and prevail over her tormentors.”

I wanted to see the movie again, to refresh myself with the story, and to see if I agreed that the goings-on in my DeGroot High School had similarities to their North Shore High School.

Also, since becoming a fan of the Thursday night program, The Office, I’ve been staying around for 30 Rock, as well, and admiring Mean Girl screenwriter Tina Fey’s comedic and writing talent. (And on a totally superficial note, her name and mine are so close--just ask Google!) So I planned to watch it with an eye toward her, too.

And I must say, Tina Fey and the screenplay did not disappoint! She made me smile, and much of the writing made me laugh. And even gave me a couple, “Man, I wish I had thought of that line!” moments. (“It’s like I have a fifth sense, like ESPN,” and “Made out with a hot dog? OMG, that was one time!”)

And I tapped into the same sense of powerlessness under Mean Girl leader Regina George that I'd felt when writing Chrissandra Hickey, that fear of saying the wrong thing, wearing the wrong things, doing the wrong thing, that would result in my banishment.

And so bottom line?

Do I see the connection between the mean girls in Mean Girls and in The ABC’s of Kissing Boys? Yep! Chrissandra and her minions could stand tough against Regina George and her girls. (Although Mean Girl Karen--the airhead--is likely to get the biggest laughs!)

Am I flattered that Kirkus Reviews made this connection? Absolutely. In fact, I think they are totally...FETCH!

So tell us, are you a fan of the Mean Girls movie? Have a favorite scene or line you want to share?