CLUELESS

SYNOPSIS: Cher Horowitz and her friend Dionne, two of the most popular sophomores in school, play matchmakers for two teachers. Inspired by their success, Cher takes under her wing Tai, a "clueless" transfer student. While trying to make an advantageous match for Tai, Cher attempts to find a boyfriend of her own.

BOTTOM LINE: I know that you're thinking...how could I like a movie about a shallow, dim, fashion-obsessed high schooler. Well, despite the fact that Ms. Silverstone has fallen off the face of the planet, she actually makes this film extremely enjoyable. Her narcissism is actually cute because Cher has no idea that she's thoughtless or obnoxious. It's not until she takes Tai under her wing in an attempt to transform her into someone cool, that she begins to understand and empathize with those outside her group. It's through various hysterical pitfalls that Cher learns how popularity isn't everything and just because people say you're cool, that doesn't necessarily make it true. As a loose adaptation of Austen's EMMA, CLUELESS works pretty well. High school with it's rigid class structure and rules of behavior is a perfect contemporary location for this great novel about finding love in the least likely of places. The character of Cher works due to Silverstone's immense charisma and comic timing. The rest of the supporting cast is equally as funny, rounding out the laughs. Paul Rudd gives a quietly charming turn as the unthinkable romantic partner Cher finally opens her heart to. This is certainly not as clever as the original, but it is one of the better updates to a classic made in recent years. A light, fun piece of entertainment.