--- title: "Clueless: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/clueless/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/clueless" critics_score: 82 critics_reviews: 6 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Clueless (1995): what the critics said Critics' score 82 from 6 reviews: 6 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics find Clueless a bright, sharply observed teen comedy whose affection for its characters makes the satire more appealing. Praise centres on Alicia Silverstone: the reviews repeatedly credit her warmth and comic timing with making the pampered Cher endearing. The adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, the ear for teenage slang and the jokes about designer culture also draw approval. Amy Heckerling’s writing is widely admired for finding intelligence in apparently frivolous behaviour. The differences concern how well the story sustains that appeal, rather than whether the comedy works. Variety finds that it runs out of steam, while Time Out points to a thin narrative beneath the charm and wit. Eye for Film also notes dated aspects and unevenness, though it remains warm towards the film’s heart and observation. The spread is positive throughout, with enthusiasm ranging from qualified appreciation to wholehearted praise. ## Radio Times — Alan Jones Rating 5/5. This expert satire perfectly captures the inanities of 1990s teen America as a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma set in Beverly Hills. Alicia Silverstone delights as the chic but dippy Cher, with the film's smart take on self-centred fashion victims singled out for praise. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-xg1ubg/clueless/) ## Los Angeles Times — Kenneth Turan Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 19 July 1995. The critic calls it a wickedly funny teen-age farce with unexpected smartness and literary nods. He singles out Alicia Silverstone’s flawless, good-hearted performance as the comic centerpiece that makes the satire endearing. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-07-19-ca-25375-story.html) ## Empire — Caroline Westbrook Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 1 January 2000. The critic finds Clueless a clever, satirical spin on Jane Austen's Emma that mixes frothy teen comedy with sharp social parody of affluent LA life. Silverstone's charming performance and the film's witty take on teen dialect and designer culture make it thoroughly entertaining and smart. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/clueless-review/) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 17 July 1995. The critic describes the film as fresh, disarmingly bright and explosively funny, well worth seeing despite running out of steam. He singles out Amy Heckerling’s dead-on ear for updated Valley Girl dialogue and Alicia Silverstone’s real comic flair. [Read the review](https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/clueless-1200442152/) ## Time Out — TCh Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 6 April 2012. Despite a thin narrative, this satiric portrait of California rich kids has plenty of charm and wit, with a winning central performance from Alicia Silverstone as the designer mall rat Cher. The film's appeal lies in its innocent take on insularity and materialism. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/clueless) ## The Hollywood Reporter — David Hunter 17 July 1995. The critic calls it a hilarious comedy about Beverly Hills high schoolers with a terrific cast, sparkling slang-filled dialogue, and a strong soundtrack. Silverstone gives a star-making performance, and the film is a welcome change of pace from the director's prior work. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/clueless-review-movie-1995-1221397/) ## The New York Times — Janet Maslin Rating Critic’s Pick. 19 July 1995. The critic finds the film a candy-colored, brightly satirical showcase that works thanks to its lead performance. She singles out Alicia Silverstone’s turn as the pampered Beverly Hills teen for making the one-joke premise click. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/19/movies/film-review-a-teen-ager-who-s-clear-on-her-priorities.html) ## Eye for Film — Jennie Kermode Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 22 January 2018. Festival review. The critic praises Alicia Silverstone's immersive and endearing performance as the spoiled yet sweet Cher, who navigates social mishaps with earnest wit. Amy Heckerling's observant script undercuts high school genre expectations while delivering a film full of heart despite its dated aspects and unevenness. [Read the review](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/clueless-1995-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/clueless.md