Many quintessential films from our childhood were released 20 years ago. These films — such as “Mean Girls, “The Notebook,” “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” “13 Going On 30” and “A Cinderella Story” — weren’t just entertainment. They opened up a whole new world for the future children and teenagers who would come to love them. Have these movies held up a lifetime later? A lifetime for us college students, that is.
“Mean Girls” has been quoted regularly in pop culture since it was released. Phrases like “On Wednesdays we wear pink,” “Stop trying to make ‘fetch’ happen,” “You go Glen Coco!” and “It’s October third” are consistently recognizable, not just by those who grew up watching the movie, but anyone growing up and only now discovering it.
In “13 Going on 30,” the main character, Jenna Rink, makes a 13th birthday wish to be 30, and when she wakes up, that wish comes true. Jenna Rink has been a popular Halloween costume this year. Her iconic striped dress, turquoise heels and butterfly hair clips show that nostalgia for these films is alive and well.
A “Mean Girls” musical adaptation was released this year, with a few tweaks to iconic lines in order to modernize them and cut out any ill-fated lines that didn’t age well. Some jokes were replaced that reflected changing attitudes towards body image and omitted scenarios reflecting insensitive racial stereotypes. The movie had the characters use TikTok, especially as a means to spread drama. Although it’s unclear if the modernization was necessary, updates to the film, via the adaptation, help “Mean Girls” continue its relevance while still holding on to its original themes. Once again, “Mean Girls” proves its cultural relevance near the end through an anticipated cameo by Lindsay Lohan, who played Cady Heron in the original film.
For its many fans, “The Notebook” provides a timeless take on romance. The shots of Noah and Allie dancing in the middle of the street, along with the line, “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird,” show the characters’ passion and symbolize the naiveté and giddiness of young love. However, Ryan Gosling’s character, Noah, is often critiqued as “creepy” or “toxic,” so the film hasn’t held up quite as well as some may have expected, in comparison to its status as an instant classic upon its release. Noah’s behaviors — waiting for Allie for several years after spending one summer with her and renovating his house in case she ever comes back for him — come off as stalker-ish, possessive and obsessive to some. To others, it can be argued as an unfaltering commitment and belief in soulmates. This marks a societal shift in regard to romantic movies. We are more open to critiquing habits and behaviors in films that may be problematic, even if they’re advertised as charming and romantic.
“A Cinderella Story” follows Hillary Duff’s character, Sam, an “ordinary girl” who is “lucky” enough to fall in love with the popular Austin, portrayed by Chad Michael Murray. Similar to “The Notebook,” some of Austin’s initial traits could be perceived as “red flags,” as he’s embarrassed to be interested in Sam. He eventually breaks free of his high school social hierarchy constraints, but the narrative that he must “rescue” Sam from her home life and social standing could be considered problematic. However, the film is obviously adapted from the folklore “Cinderella,” so the 2004 film may not be the problem. As a feel-good chick flick, “A Cinderella Story” still gets the job done.
“13 Going on 30” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” don’t carry as much content that has passed its sell-by date. “13 Going on 30” discusses the pressures teenagers may feel to grow up too fast, and the ones that those in their 30s might feel to have it “all figured out,” or, as the film’s memorable catchphrase states, be “30, flirty and thriving.” Before Jenna makes her birthday wish, she is increasingly annoyed towards her best friend, Matty, and after the time jump, learns that she cut him off completely the night that she chose “popularity” over him — a constant theme with these early 2000s films. Seeing the consequences of her 13-year-old actions, 30-year-old Jenna realizes the importance of her friendship with Matty. Although cliché, this heartwarming moment makes for a great romantic comedy, as the two end up together in the end.
“The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” although not as entertaining as the original, is charming and follows Princess Mia of Genovia, whose royal duties are forcing her to marry within 30 days in order to formally rule the nation. Through criticizing this ridiculous standard, the film offers some positive portrayals of independence and self-assertion, as Mia advocates for changes in the marital rules of Genovia, in order for her to become queen, but also for women in the future. However, most viewers sitting down to watch “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” are most likely just there for the comfort, familiarity and feel-good romance tropes. Twenty years later, movies — and popcorn — remain good comfort food.
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