Super Bowl commercials are often a haven of reunions and nostalgia grabs. In years past, they’ve seen the likes of Matthew Broderick return to play himself, similar to his famous Ferris Bueller character. Recently, Zach Galligan reunited with Gizmo for a commercial. Last night, Alicia Silverstone stepped back into her Cher attire for a Clueless tribute for a Super Bowl commercial for Rakuten, Deadline reports.
The Big Game TV Spot depicted Cher Horowitz in her former debate class, being interrupted by her rival, Amber, which sees Eliza Donovan back in the film role as well. The spot mirrors a similar scene in the 1995 Amy Heckerling comedy in which Cher gives a presentation in Mr. Hall’s debate class against the opposing party represented by Amber. In the twist for the TV spot, it’s not the same class, but a modern-day school class.
Cher cheekily states that she “used to be clueless about shopping” while talking about the benefits of Rakuten. The commercial also recreates memorable scenes such as Cher going through her automated rotating closet rack trying to pick clothes, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and her faulty driving by backing into an Amazon-like van. As Cher speaks, Amber couldn’t resist getting a jab in with her rival.
Cher gives Amber the dreaded “talk to the hand” gesture as Amber makes her famous “whatever” gesture in response. The modern millennial class is not only receptive, but they give her applause and affection. As Cher sits, one of her classmates attempts to call out the actress, saying, “Aren’t you too old to be in high school?” To which, Cher simply replies, “What?”
An extended cut of the commercial was released on Rakuten’s YouTube channel. Fashion designer and Project Runway winner and mentor Cristian Siriano also makes a cameo in the spot. This commercial also sports snippets of the Clueless soundtrack, as it includes “Alright” by Supergrass.
Clueless was Amy Heckerling’s revision of the Jane Austen story, Emma, set in and satirizing the culture and counterculture of the 90s with an ensemble including Stacy Dash, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, and Paul Rudd.