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Clueless (1995)

A review by Damian Cannon.
Copyright © Movie Reviews UK 1997
The troubles of todays Beverley Hills high-school girl are many; which designer clothes to wear, when to go to the mall, who's in and who's out and, well, that's it really. Homework? What's that? Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is your typical empty-headed student who, with her friend Dionne (Stacey Dash), lives day-to-day as the, self-appointed, most popular people in the school. Avoiding the geeks, slackers, weirdos and other greasy-haired wasters is a continual battle for Cher. It seems that every student has a mobile phone, fancy car and other accessories - basically, every stereotype is played to the full in this movie. The cool thing is that it works!

In class almost no-one pays attention - they're either on the phone, doing their makeup, doodling or gossiping. When Cher is asked to argue for letting more immigrants into the States she uses the example of her father's 50th birthday party - perfectly reasonable from her point of view. Soon, however, the report cards are handed out. How can Cher and Dionne get such low grades? It just doesn't make sense! Taking a leaf out of her father's book (he's a corporate lawyer) she decides to bargain with the teachers over her grades. This amazing approach works, except for one teacher - Mr Hall (Wallace Shawn). The secret here is to put a little happiness into his life, principally by orchestrating an affair with fellow teacher Miss Geist (Twink Caplan).

The bug for helping others has grabbed Cher now and she ends up trying to turn the ugly duckling Tai (Brittany Murphy) into a similarly soul-less, self-absorbed young woman (like herself). Tai responds well to this help from Cher and Dionne, which includes make-overs, tips on clothes and how to attract men together with a position as their friend. There is more to this movie than just people though - it's a very amusing look at the isolated bubble in which these teenagers live. It needs someone from the outside, like Josh (Paul Rudd), to cast a light on the artificial nature of their behaviour. The clash of cultures works well and, by the end, love reigns eternal.

Despite all expectations this perceptive comedy triumphs, mainly through the delightful performances of the young leads. Without the spitefulness of 'Heathers', Cher and Dionne cast the dialogue with just the right amount of spin for their characters. The whole tone of the story is convincing, from the separate clans at school to the personalised dialect of the kids. While there are no deep and meaningful revelations on the human condition, Clueless is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Sure the story is a light and frothy confection, but it sure isn't sickly-sweet or lip-curlingly bitter.

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