Clueless

REVIEW
What writer-director Heckerling did for the 1980s with Fast Times at Ridgemont High she does for the '90s in this hilariously witty send-up of high school life and adolescence (California upper-middle class specifically). The superficial but naively intelligent Cher (Silverstone), a carefree 15-year-old beauty with not much on her mind but clothes, social standing and boys, comes to a life decision to use her good looks and popularity for good causes. She sets out on a glorious quest to play matchmaker and good samaritan to anyone within arm's reach -- but will she herself find true love? Heckerling's delicious updating of Jane Austen's "Emma" is one mirthful exposition after another, playfully lampooning the teenage milieu -- there's a gallery of funny one-liners and comic vignettes. Silverstone proves herself an impeccable comedienne giving a cheerful, uproarious performance.