Dir: Amy Heckerling, 1995 (8*)
Heckerling’s retelling of Austen’s Emma is updated to a Beverly Hills high school, and works due to a terrific debut performance from 16-yr old Alicia Silverstone ("As if!"). The story involves a makeover of a new nerdy transfer student ("Project!"), and Alicia’s own interest in a suave new boy who thinks he’s a Tony Curtis clone (hint hint..) Dan Hedaya steals his scenes as her overprotective father, telling her date: "Look kid, I’ve got a .44 and a shovel and I doubt anyone would report you missing." Terrific stuff, great dialogue, a star is born; what were you doing at 16?
Quote: Hey kid, just because Sammy David Jr. died doesn’t mean there’s an opening in the rat pack.