Thursday, June 18, 2009

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?

10 fresh comments:

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

I have yet to see it--which is surprising! But I will add it to my list, and of course, congrats on the connection! :) :)

Leigh Purtill said...

This film was lots of fun - more than you'd expect for something starring Lindsay Lohan! LOL! And it shows the first hints at Tina Fey's brilliance as a writer that she could use a nonfiction book as source material for a movie.

Diana Dang said...

I liked Mean Girls because there were a couple of Vietnamese girls talking. It makes me happy to know that there are Vietnamese people on TV because you either get Chinese or Japanese nowadays...

TinaFerraro said...

Yes, Kelly, you definitely need to see it!

Leigh, I am with you about Tina Fey...that movie was my first glimpse into her true talent, too, and now, as I say, I watch her all the time.

Diana, good point about featuring Vietnamese girls, and how rarely we see them on TV or in film.

Yes, I think this a movie that withstands the test of time...in fact as we look back, gets even better.

Kate at Read This Book! said...

Mean Girls is my fave film ever.

I have too many fave lines but one of the most funny ones would be "One time, she (referring to Regina George) punched me in the face, it was awesome."

LOL! And Kelly, you should totally watch Mean Girls!! It's hilarious!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I haven't seen it yet, but you've convinced me that it's something I should watch.

That's cool about being mentioned in the review!

Shalonda said...

Mean Girls is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is so hilarious!

I think my favorite scene is when the guy (Kevin, I think) from the Mathletes raps in the talent show.

And I love that line near the end where the girls are confessing to one another. One girl says, "I don't hate you cause you're fat. You're fat because I hate you." Although it is supposed to be a funny line, it just reflects how our mean ways can affect others in ways that we might not think of.

I could go on and on about this movie. I love it that much!

Anonymous said...

Haven't seen it yet. Maybe in the summer?

Emily said...

LOVE Mean Girls! Good for you Tina getting a nod towards such a fun and insightful film. I have watched this movie many, many times with my daughter-- we always laugh and always jump when Regina finally gets hers by getting hit by the bus!

To those who haven't seen this movie yet-- take some time this summer to watch it.

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