Popcorn: Movie Reviews

	Clueless
	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

The trailers show a bunch of girls who "talk funny" and have daily conversations about makeup and guy snatching. A typical chick flick, right? AS IF! Surprisingly, the movie has quite a few funny theories and views that actually make you...think!

A mini music video initiates the movie, with a popular 16-year-old girl named Cher (Alicia Silverstone), narrating actions such as swimming parties, picking out clothing, and having fun with friends. The film actually gives the usual boring introduction to teenage films, a unique twist. It immediately grabs audiences into the wild and adventurous trials of the "normal" life of a teenage girl living in Beverly Hills.

However, Cher isn't the typical popular type. Let's face it. Hollywood usually portrays cool kids as obnoxious, stuck-up, and ignorant. Cher actually dresses decently (no halter tops here), maintains decent grades, and is nice to those who are not as popular. Along with her, stars her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash) who is also a fashion plate. Together, they help a mousy, obtuse new girl, named Tai get a makeover. Of course, when Cher gives a makeover, it doesn't mean lipstick and a new 'do. The popular bombshell actually helps Tai get "Buns of Steel" and helps expand Tai's vocabulary, such as using new words like, "sporadically." Beauty and Brains--not the regular Kelly Bundy.

The supposedly shallow plot doesn't exactly end there. The screenwriter probably wanted us to be wrapped up into Cher's little makeover advice, so we'd be surprised when the tables turned on her later. In the beginning of the movie, Cher thinks Tai is "totally clueless." However, Cher is the one that needs a makeover!

Alicia Silverstone's performance was spectacular---witty and funny. She doesn't even realize the effect she has on her audience, her subtle facial expressions are so profound--especially when she failed her driver's test! There are very few movie moments as funny as the part when Dionne accidentally drives onto the freeway during her driving lesson, with Cher screaming off the top of her lungs in the background.

Cher's little presentations in debate class show just how distinctive her thinking is, and it sort of reflects how Generation X thinks today. It is a bit difficult to explain, but once you watch it, you will know what I mean. In the 50s, kids didn't think as much as they do today. They were always "innocent, and too young to understand." Well times, "they are a-changin'." And I think that Cher proves that we CAN make a difference. :)

The relationship between Cher and her ex-step-brother was a little odd, however, pretty romantic concerning how they got together. Who would of known that the guy you used to be related to was THE one? And Cher's father was quite a character. When Cher told him that she argued her way into changing her grades to As, the proud litigator replied, "I couldn't of been more happier if you earned them yourself."

So why only 4 stars out of 5? Well, I feel that there could of been a little more comedy, and a little more "adventure." I don't know, maybe Cher could of been locked up in a mall or something? Oh well, you never know...there could [and should be] a sequel.

-Sky Critique

Photo: (C)opyright Paramount Pictures
Rating:

Rated: PG-13
Paramount Pictures

Cast/Credits:
Alicia Silverstone .... Cher Horowitz
Stacey Dash .... Dionne
Brittany Murphy .... Tai
Paul Stephen Rudd .... Josh
Donald Adeosun Faison .... Murray
Elisa Donovan .... Amber
Breckin Meyer .... Travis
Jeremy Sisto .... Elton
Dan Hedaya .... Mel
Aida Linares .... Lucy
Wallace Shawn .... Mr. Hall
Twink Caplan .... Miss Geist
Justin Walker .... Christian
Sabastian Rashidi .... Paroudasm
Herb Hall .... Principal
Julie Brown .... Miss Stoeger
Susan Mohun .... Heather
Nicole Bilderback .... Summer
Ron Orbach .... DMV Tester

Directed By:
Amy Heckerling

Written By:
Jane Austen and Amy Heckerling

Produced By:
Barry M. Berg, Twink Caplan, Robert Lawrence, Scott Rudin and Adam Schroeder

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