Clueless (The Movie)

Since I saw the series way before watching the movie that spun off into the television show, I had to get used to Alicia Silverstone playing Cher. I know, it’s weird considering she was Cher first, but whatever. Anyway, I decided to watch this on a random weeknight since I had nothing better to do and wanted to check it off my “Eventually” list.


It was actually pretty funny and cute. Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is the daughter of a rich, successful lawyer, and the most popular girl at Beverly Hills High School. Her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) spends time with her going shopping, or talking about boys or clothes or both. Dionne pairs herself up with boyfriend Murray (Donald Faison) and is constantly frustrated regarding the ups and downs of their relationship. Elisa Donovan plays Amber, Cher’s mortal enemy, who is jealous of Cher’s popularity and tries to take her place. Then Tai (Brittany Murphy) arrives, and Cher decides it will be her personal project to turn this transfer student in desperate need of a fashion makeover into a new recruit into their elite popularity squad. But is three a welcome or a crowd?


At first, it seems like the movie is your run-of-the-mill rich airheads run the school type film. But as the movie progresses, and we listen in on Cher’s inner thoughts and feelings, we learn that there is a little more to her character than meets the eye. Although she may be passed off for being “clueless” about so many things, there were plenty of topics she remained knowledgeable about, including manipulating her way into getting better grades not only for herself but for the whole school, while making sure the teachers also won in the process. True, that may not be considered so noble and praiseworthy, however Alicia Silverstone’s acting, facial expressions, and body language all give Cher’s character the arrogance and vulnerability that was needed, with a little comedic edge. Though the rest of the cast does not necessarily have as big of a part in the movie, their supportive roles really shine throughout.


The territory of high school has not remained unexplored prior to this movie, nor has it after, but the humor elements and the clarity with which the characters’ true natures are explored give this movie a great purpose. Director Amy Heckerling was far from clueless when she made this movie, and you’d be far from clueless if you decide to watch it. Especially great for fans of the actors or the genre. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.