Sometimes, sequels struggle to live up to the original, and this teen drama follows that pattern. Starring Meaghan, Maiara, Jennifer, and Claire, this direct-to-TV sequel is set in the familiar environment of North Shore High School but in a more modern, 2011 suburban setting. The genre remains teen comedy, but the charm of the first film feels watered down. This installment is less of a sharp, witty satire and more of a typical high school rivalry film that treads on predictable tropes.
The story follows Jo, a tomboyish and independent high schooler, who is offered a scholarship by a wealthy classmate’s father in exchange for befriending his daughter, Abby, a target of the school’s popular clique known as “The Plastics.” Led by Mandi, this new generation of Plastics rules the school with the same cruelty that Regina George once did. However, Jo’s involvement with Abby sets her on a collision course with Mandi, sparking a new war of popularity and social sabotage. As Jo navigates this treacherous world, she faces the ethical dilemma of staying true to herself or succumbing to the temptations of popularity, with tensions rising as high school politics spiral out of control.
One notable aspect of the film is the acting, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor. Meaghan, who plays Jo, delivers a decent performance as the tough, no-nonsense outsider. Her character is the antithesis of Cady from the first film, but she lacks the nuance that made Lindsay’s portrayal memorable. Meaghan’s performance feels a little flat at times, as she struggles to bring depth to Jo’s inner conflict. On the other hand, Maiara as Mandi embraces the role of the mean girl with flair, though her portrayal feels like a copy-paste of Regina George rather than a fresh take. Mandi is more one-dimensional, lacking the complexity that Rachel’s Regina had, and as a result, she comes across as a cartoonish villain.
The direction by Melanie lacks the sharpness that made the first film so engaging. The pacing feels rushed, and there’s a sense that the film is trying to hit the same beats as its predecessor without fully understanding what made those moments work. The original had a snappy, tight flow with memorable scenes that felt organic; this sequel, however, struggles with forced humor and clunky transitions. One of the most glaring issues is how the film tries to recreate the iconic Plastics lunchroom scene, but it falls flat due to lackluster dialogue and weaker character dynamics. There’s a sense that the filmmakers wanted to recreate the same magic but missed the mark.
Visually, the cinematography is unremarkable. The film lacks the stylized, almost hyper-real quality that made the original stand out. Instead, it feels more like a typical made-for-TV movie, with simple, uninspired shots that fail to capture the drama and tension of the high school setting. The costume design also doesn’t leave much of an impression. While the Plastics’ wardrobes are meant to convey their status, it feels more like a surface-level effort to mimic the aesthetic of the first film without any real creativity. The original Plastics had distinct styles that reflected their personalities; here, the costumes feel more generic and uninspired.
The music and soundtrack are similarly underwhelming. While the original film was packed with early 2000s hits that perfectly captured the mood and energy of each scene, this sequel’s soundtrack is forgettable. The background score doesn’t add much to the emotional beats of the film, and there are no standout tracks that elevate any key moments. In fact, the film misses the opportunity to use music effectively, leaving some scenes feeling emotionally flat when they could have been enhanced with a more thoughtful score.
One of the key differences between the original and this sequel is the lack of biting social commentary. The original film worked because it was not just about high school cliques; it was a sharp satire on the absurdity of social hierarchies and teenage politics. In this sequel, the themes are watered down, with the focus more on petty rivalry than any meaningful exploration of high school culture. The absence of Tina’s writing is sorely felt, as the screenplay lacks the wit, depth, and humor that made the first film stand out. The dialogue in this sequel is often cringeworthy and predictable, with none of the memorable one-liners that turned the original into a pop-culture phenomenon.
Despite its shortcomings, the film does have a few redeeming moments. There are brief flashes of humor, particularly in the interactions between Jo and Abby, that hint at a deeper, more meaningful friendship. Jennifer, who plays Abby, brings a sense of vulnerability to her role, and her chemistry with Meaghan is one of the few highlights. The film also attempts to tackle themes of individuality and loyalty, though they aren’t explored as thoroughly as they could have been. Jo’s struggle with the decision to stay true to herself or get sucked into the world of The Plastics is relatable, but it’s handled in a way that feels superficial.
In conclusion, while this film attempts to capture the essence of its predecessor, it falls short in almost every aspect. The acting, while passable, doesn’t have the same charisma, and the direction lacks the polish and cleverness that made the original a success. The story is predictable, the humor forced, and the deeper themes are overshadowed by a lack of depth. Fans of the original may find some nostalgia in the familiar setting and references, but overall, it’s a forgettable sequel that fails to live up to the iconic status of the first.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted, easy watch, this might serve as a passable diversion. But if you’re expecting the same wit, charm, and sharp social commentary of the original, you’re likely to be disappointed. It’s a sequel that feels more like a hollow imitation than a fresh continuation of a beloved story.
