Both the movie and music business have their share of ‘one-hit wonders.’ In case you’ve never heard the term, this is an artist who is famous for one movie role, one television role, or one really, really big song. Alicia Silverstone is one of those actresses who have ridden on the coattails of such a role, hers being that of Cher Horowitz in the ‘cult’ classic teen flick “Clueless.” Previously she was known for appearing in a couple of Aerosmith videos and some less then memorable films, but “Clueless” put her on the map. So much so that she has been able to stay on the fringe of fame without the benefit of a single good performance since. When “Clueless” first came out about ten years ago, I was sick enough of the whole ‘valley girl’’ thing that I had no desire to see it. I was dragged, kicking and screaming to the theatre, but after watching it found that it was far more entertaining than I expected. I even recommended it to a few friends, all of whom thought I was nuts.

Even now that a new DVD version is being released, my wife gives me one of those funny looks when I tell her, “It’s actually pretty good!.” (Hopefully, I’ll convince her to see it one of these days.)

Despite her shortcomings as an actress, Silverstone was perfect for the role of Cher, a rich, self-centered high school girl who considered herself to be “all that.” She was spoiled beyond belief from living with her father, who just happened to be a lawyer. She hangs around with her copycat best friend (Stacy Dash), whom she constantly tries to advise on to how to handle her boyfriend (the brilliant Donald Faison). Cher on the other hand, who just can’t seem to find the right guy… and you really don’t wonder why. The two decide to adopt a new girl in school (Brittany Murphy), who is in serious need of a makeover (at least as far as they’re concerned). She falls for Cher’s step brother (Paul Rudd), whom Cher considers to be a total stick in the mud.

As I mentioned there is a new DVD release coming out of Paramount this week, and for fans of the movie, it is well worth picking up (even if you already have the original release). It is being billed as the “Whatever” edition, which I both love and loathe as it perfectly describes Cher’s attitude in the movie but also reminds me of the somewhat dismissive term my wife uses on me from time to time to blow me off.

In terms of transfer, it definitely compares to the earlier release, but it in the extra features that the set excels. Again, it will appeal more to fans of the movie than those less impressed by it. There is a featurette where we get to see what most of the cast looks like ten years later as well as another that focuses on the ‘language’ of the film and how it was supposedly trendsetting. You’ll also find a look into how the clothes were designed, a featurette on how writer/director Amy Heckerling came up with the ideas for the movie, and some little behind the scenes anecdotes from the movie’s production. Finally, the film featured an interesting little game called “Suck and Blow”, which I will refrain from describing here… but the DVD offers a lesson on how to play it.

“Clueless” was far from the best teen movie ever made, but it still ranks high for how well-suited Silverstone was for the lead role, as well as some great performances from Paul Rudd and Jeremy Sisto. If you’ve never seen it you really should give it a try, I think you’ll find it to be a pleasant surprise.

Directed by: Amy Heckerling
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Sisto, Brittany Murphy
Extras: “The Class of 95”, “Creative Writing”, “Fashion 101”, “Language Arts”, “Suck ‘n’ Blow – A Tutorial”, “Driver’s Ed”, “We’re History”, 2 Theatrical Trailers
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 2.0
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 8/30/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Sex Related Dialogue and Some Teen Use of Drugs and Alcohol)
Website

We'll give Clueless: Whatever Edition a B.