Clueless
By Sarah Wenk,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Charming take on Jane Austen's Emma has sex, drugs.

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Clueless
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Based on 32 parent reviews
Lots of teen and adult language.
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Romanticizes disrespectful/imbalanced relationships
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What's the Story?
In CLUELESS, Cher (Alicia Silverstone) just can't keep herself out of other people's business. After one successful attempt at matchmaking, she decides to make over and set up the new girl in school, with disastrous results. Meanwhile, her own love life is rather confused, and it isn't until she starts being honest with herself that she sees what she really wants.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma, and it does an excellent job of transferring the story to a contemporary context. It doesn't feel dated -- the direction is bright and fresh, and the performances are uniformly excellent. Silverstone is particularly good, managing to be charming, ditsy, and annoying all at once, and it's clear why this movie made her a star.
This film isn't appropriate for young kids -- it contains drinking, drug use, and implied sex -- but teens will love it. And it might even get them to read some Jane Austen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Clueless' continued appeal. Is it still relevant? What makes it a classic for teens?
How is Cher less than honest with herself about her motivations for her "good deeds"? What other choices could she have made?
Tai also is a character who is less than true to herself, and she pays a price. Was what she went through worth it?
Families also might want to look at Jane Austen's novel Emma and see how this adaptation reflects the original.
How do the characters in Clueless demonstrate communication, empathy, and humility? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 26, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: June 24, 2003
- Cast: Alicia Silverstone , Brittany Murphy , Paul Rudd
- Director: Amy Heckerling
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters , Friendship , High School
- Character Strengths: Communication , Empathy , Humility
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sex related dialogue and some teen use of alcohol and drugs
- Last updated: September 28, 2023
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