Mean Girls 2 Essay

Meaghan Martin, whose first claim to film fame was her role of Tess in both Camp Rock movies, starred as emotionally-detached, tomboy Johanna ‘Jo’ Mitchell in Mean Girls 2. In this film, Jo Mitchell has constantly moved from school to school due to her father’s occupation as a NASCAR builder, has a rule to never get involved in the drama of high school. However, once arriving at Northshore High, Jo unexpectedly makes friends with a meek girl named Abby Hanover (Jennifer Stone), who has been constantly picked on by the queen bee Mandi Weatherly (Maiara Walsh), simply because the Hanovers are wealthier than the Weatherly family. Jo will engage in a social battle with the Plastics due to her refusal to follow their status quo, her friendship with Abby, and her relationship with Mandi’s step brother, Tyler

(Diego Boneta). The film concludes with Mandi being arrested for stealing the school’s charity money, and the two remaining Plastics reforming their mean ways.
Martin was dressed in a slightly typical tomboy fashion.

Instead of skirts or dresses, Martin’s slim figure is decorated with blue jeans and t-shirts that are usually dark in color. Her blonde hair lays flat and her make up is restricted to a minimum to allow for a natural look. All of these aspects help destroy any excessive femininity in her look, and sets her apart from her fellow female leads. Though her look is right, Martin’s acting in this film is quite lackluster. Her delivery of lines, when narrating or actually conversing with someone,though steady and clear in voice quality, is ineffective at communicating any emotion. Though Martin’s character is meant to be aloof, she became too indifferent. This can be seen throughout the film, particularly in Martin’s narrations when she’s been glued to her moped and when she discovers that Mandi sabotaged her dad’s job. Martin’s only real saving grace is her ability to successfully, and amusingly, deliver sarcastic remarks when referring to the sexism presented to her by Tyler and her shop class teacher (Mike Pniewski). Otherwise, it’s safe to say that Martin’s performance in this film was definitely not her

best.
As stated in the title, Martin proved to be one mean girl too many. Her performance in the role of Jo was underplayed and unsatisfying. Martin’s performance was completely uninspired. The sad fact is that the role of Jo could’ve been a very interesting and entertaining character to watch, if she had been casted differently. Martin’s performance definitely detracted from the movie, which partly caused my great dislike for this film. Most of my resentment stems from the fact that this Mean Girls installment has absolutely nothing to do with the original Mean Girls, the plot was fairly cliche, and the ending pales in comparison to the original. I would not recommend this film to others, as the lead is nothing to write home about and the movie itself will just be sorely disappointing.