AIRHEAD

Stina Nielsen's enthusiastic and sarcastic voice is perfect for this amusing but farfetched plot. She captures the spirit of Emerson Watts, a New York teenager with a finely honed sense of irony, who is more interested in playing computer games with her nerdy best friend than in fashion or popularity. Em chaperones her younger sister to the grand opening of the new Stark megastore when a bizarre accident changes Em's life forever. Take the leap of faith required and enjoy the ride. Nielsen understands that nuance and subtlety are not necessary here. She gives us a completely appropriate over-the-top performance that accentuates the wonder, outrage, and heartbreak of Em's bizarre life. A.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]