In 1995, did you feel like you were buggin’? Were you called a “full-on Monet” because you looked decent from afar, but up close, you were a total mess? Maybe you’re just a virgin who can’t drive? If any of these applied to you, maybe you were just totally Clueless!
The iconic, somewhat cult classic film was released in theaters in July 1995, marking its 30-year anniversary. A star-studded cast with ridiculous slang and a somewhat ridiculous storyline took the world by storm. From great party scenes to awkward romantic interests, Clueless is a timeless classic that everyone should enjoy!
Don’t Be Clueless When it Comes to the Plot
Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, is a wealthy teenager in Beverly Hills who is plugged into the highest social circles in high school. Cher and her bestie, Dionne (Stacey Dash), are the most popular girls in school, who are on top of fashion, who’s going with whom, and what’s happening where. Ugh, as if their social statuses were some kind of superpower, they decide to try to use it to not only help mankind but some of the “less fortunate” people around them.
Outsider, Tai (Brittany Murphy), is a new student at school. Immediately, Cher and Di take her on as some kind of social experiment project. A classic 90s makeover is done, and of course, hanging out with Cher and the gang will instantly give her credibility with the popular kids.
Tai then meets Travis, a skater boy, who may have influenced Avril Lavigne years later, but is probably not the best choice for her image. Travis is not only a long-haired, skater-stoner type, but also a really nice guy. We all know that you can’t date a guy like that if you want to rank high with the high school elite
As Cher gets jealous of all the relationships around her, including Di and the always keeping it fresh, Murray, she tries to find love for herself. While trying to hook up Tai with the top of the high school food chain, Elton, Cher falls for another new student, Christian. He has a thing for Tony Curtis movies, enjoys shopping, and dancing. When Murray tells Cher, that Christian is a “cake boy,” Cher’s feelings turn quickly to strictly platonic after she tries to seduce Christian unsuccessfully.
Cher then turns her attention to Paul Rudd, who plays her ex-stepbrother, Josh. That’s right, people, her EX-STEP-BROTHER! As if this movie can’t get any better! Josh is considered a nerd because he doesn’t party, and he does well in school. Oh, how things were different back then! The former siblings end up screwing up court documents for their father and a team of lawyers because they were focused on playing footsie and flirting. She realized she’s “totally butt-crazy in love with him!”
Since Cher doesn’t want to be an “airhead with a credit card” she starts trying to do good for the people around her. Donating clothing, food, and even sports equipment for some disaster fund and hooking up two of her teachers who she deems as lonely just because they are single. The two would eventually marry leaving Cher with the tossed bouquet and winning Josh some money.
Final Thoughts
I consider Clueless the Mean Girls of the 1990s. This is a truly great film from start to finish! It’s a guilty pleasure of mine! It will have you “Rollin’ with the Homies” and laughing out loud at the ridiculous plot and language. So next time you respond to someone with “Whatever” or “Ugh, as if,” you can thank Alicia Silverstone and Clueless! In the great words of Cher Horowitz, “In conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty!” If you’re not a fan, then it maybe you who is totally Clueless, or maybe you’re totally buggin’!
