As we do with our life memories, sometimes it’s fun to take a cinematic trip down memory lane. For many, one of these “iconic” films will be Clueless, the silly, but entertaining 90s teen comedy that re-tells Jane Austen’s Emma.
Clueless (1995) Film Review
Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) has not met a problem she couldn’t argue her way out of. Whether it’s upping the grades on her report card or getting what she wants from her gruff lawyer father, she’s the apple of her daddy’s eye, and one of the most popular girl’s in school. Her life is pretty perfect. Well, with exception to her loaf of a former stepbrother, Josh (Paul Rudd).
As her best friend, Dion (Stacey Dash) dates someone she is in a continuous fight with, Cher looks to find a new project. Her opportunity arrives in the form of Tai (Brittaney Murphey), the new girl in school, who’s just a little bit rough around the edges. While Cher isn’t interested in dating – as if! she’d date a high school boy, she does set her sights on the popular Elton as Tai’s ideal match… or so she thinks.
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For some reason, I seem to be many taking trips down memory lane when it comes to cinematic pursuits. In an effort to be more accurate, in my case, it’s not so much “memory lane” as just re-watching films from the 90s era. This is because I don’t consider myself a person who can legit call these nostalgia favorites since I didn’t see films like this, or 10 Things I Hate About You, back when they were cool. That said, Clueless is one of the gems that was cool, and there’s a few reasons why.
The main interesting point about Clueless is that it’s a contemporary re-telling of Jane Austen’s Emma. Something it is rather effective at conceptualizing. We have a character with whom Cher “competes” (Jane Fairfax); there’s a declaration made, one in which Cher wants nothing to do with; and of course, her trademark match-making skills. The script perhaps doesn’t have the same emotional impact of Austen’s story, but it certainly hits all the high points of the story.
There’s some alterations given it’s not only a modern version, but also set in a world of teenage drama. What I do like about it though is how it presents a “mean girl,” who isn’t unlikable. By all accounts Cher could be the mean girl who rules, and we kind of want to dislike her, but instead Silverstone gives us a character we still quite like. Sure she’s popular but she’s not that same character. Everyone plays their roles quite well, and I especially enjoy seeing Paul Rudd in something pre his big break-out, or as the likable Ant-Man from MCU. clueless
These reasons and more is why this operates so well as a re-telling. Another of the ways it does is by giving its heroine an iconic one-name moniker, and of course, there’s pretty strong parallels in the matches she attempts. There’s an adorable romance that I think does have some controversy, but for me, it works. Between the hilarious freeway scene and Cher’s trademark “as if!” expression, there’s plenty to enjoy about this adorable romantic-comedy.
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Content: There’s sexual humor, including conversation about which girls are still virgins. Cher attempts to seduce someone, only to later learn he prefers males. The film rates PG-13.
Ahhh Clueless! I’ve been wanting to rewatch this for awhile now, but I can’t find it anywhere streaming for free. I may just have to break down and rent it.
It’s just SO much fun! I think there’s a 25th anniversary edition coming this summer, so who knows! Maybe it’ll show up on a streaming site around then.
I do love this movie! I was surprised the controversial part of the romance didn’t bother me – but considering it wasn’t a relevant situation it was easy to go with the flow. I can’t wait to rewatch this again too! It’s so funny and cute.
This one IS quite cute. I don’t think I’ve ever been bothered by the romance angle, though I probably would if the pair had grown up together. :) Thanks for the visit, Chanel.