Clueless (movie)

Clueless
Paramount, 1999
Directed by Amy Heckerling
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Jeremy Sisto
Rated PG-13

Summary:
Just as 10 Things I Hate About You adapted Shakespeare to the modern world, Clueless took Jane Austen and transplanted her to Beverly Hills. This 90’s classic is a modern take on Emma—this time featuring Cher as the hapless matchmaker. Like Emma, Cher makes a mess of things when she tries to hook up two disinterested people. But unlike Emma, Cher also has to deal with driving tests, charity fundraisers, and credit cards.

Review:
While a die-hard Jane Austen fan would be better off watching Gwyneth Paltrow’s Emma, the rest of us can equally enjoy the Clueless version. Alicia Silverstone was born to play this role, and she’s joined by an excellent cast of supporting characters. Emma’s misjudgments and social errors appear more understandable in this setting, and we can sympathize with Cher even as we laugh at her. And, if nothing else, Clueless is an amazing time-capsule for early/mid-90’s American teen culture. I recommend this movie to Alicia Silverstone fans, Paul Rudd fans, anyone who likes 90s movies, and people who like the plot of Emma.