Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
From Director Ari Sandel and Screenwriter Josh Cagan comes the latest Teen-Comedy to sweep the nation! What makes The DUFF all kinds of wonderful is that it combines the familiar essence of great Films in the Genre, like John Hughes’ Classics, Mean Girls and Easy A. The DUFF like those mentioned Movies also carries a positive message which transcends all else and that message is simple, be yourself and love yourself for who you are. 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 – designated ugly fat friend – and makes it her mission to separate herself from her Best Friends Casey (Bianca Santos) and Jess (Skyler Samuels). While coming to the realization that she is a DUFF, or at least she thinks she is, she asks Wesley’s assistance to help her “un-DUFF”. This adventure into finding herself certainly comes with a few obstacles, one of them overcoming Madison (Bella Thorne) the evil Queen Bee of their School, who also happens to be Wesley’s Ex-Girlfriend. Can Bianca find it in herself to not lose herself all while getting sucked into the realm of what is hot and what is not?
Much credit goes to some fantastic casting in The DUFF. Some of the performances that truly stand out are those of Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell,and Allison Janney, who plays Bianca’s rib-splittingly hilarious and empowering Mom, 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. Amell who plays a blunt jock Football Captain-slash-Sensitive Guy, manages to shine.
The DUFF provides endless fun, silliness, and shines a light on the harsh realities of this post-Smartphone era. Grab your friends this weekend and go see what is a guaranteed good-time!
eOne Pictures Canada releases THE DUFF on Friday February 20, 2015.
Read our Chat with Star Robbie Amell here.
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