Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
From Director Ari Sandel and Screenwriter Josh Cagan comesĀ the latestĀ Teen-ComedyĀ to sweep the nation! What makesĀ The DUFFĀ all kinds of wonderful is that it combinesĀ the familiar essence ofĀ great Films in the Genre, like John Hughes’Ā Classics, Mean Girls and Easy A.Ā The DUFFĀ like those mentioned Movies also carriesĀ Ā a positive messageĀ which transcends all elseĀ and that message is simple, be yourself and love yourself for who you are.Ā Even if you’re not a Teen, there is plenty to love here.
The Movie focuses on Bianca (Mae Whitman) as she finds out from her neighbour and childhood friend, Wesley (Robbie Amell) that she is a DUFF ā designated ugly fat friend ā and makes it her mission to separate herself from her Best Friends Casey (Bianca Santos) and Jess (Skyler Samuels). WhileĀ coming to the realizationĀ that she isĀ aĀ DUFF, or at least she thinks she is, she asks Wesley’s assistance to help her “un-DUFF”.Ā This adventure into finding herself certainly comes with a few obstacles, one of themĀ overcoming Madison (Bella Thorne) the evil Queen BeeĀ of their School, who also happens to be Wesleyās Ex-Girlfriend. Can Bianca find it in herself to not lose herselfĀ all while getting sucked into the realm of what is hot and what is not?
Much credit goesĀ Ā to some fantastic casting in The DUFF. Some of the performances that truly stand out are those ofĀ Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell,and Allison Janney, who plays Biancaās rib-splittingly hilariousĀ and empowering Mom,Ā Dottie. Whitman delivers one of the funniest performances of recent memory, channeling some of that charisma and charm we’ve seen in previous work here on a big level. She owns every scene she appears.Ā Amell who plays a bluntĀ jockĀ Football Captain-slash-Sensitive Guy, manages to shine.
The DUFFĀ provides endless Ā fun, silliness, and shines a light on the harsh realities of this post-Smartphone era. Grab your friends this weekendĀ and go see what is a guaranteed good-time!
eOne Pictures Canada releases THE DUFFĀ on Friday February 20, 2015.
Read our Chat with Star Robbie Amell here.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com