Mean Girls 2

Right now you can watch Mean Girls 2 in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel and Hoopla, and in the UK on Paramount Plus — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. A 5/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Meaghan Jette Martin sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now on Starz Apple TV Channel — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Mean Girls 2 earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Mean Girls 2 from the crowd. Confident senior Jo begins the new school year by breaking her own cardinal rule: don't get involved in girl drama. But when she sees timid Abby preyed upon by Queen Bee Mandi and her minions, she takes sides in a viciously funny girl-world-war that turns North Shore High School upside down. Meaghan Jette Martin and Jennifer Stone lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2011. Mean Girls 2 earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Mean Girls 2 respects your intelligence. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Meaghan Jette Martin sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.