‘The Duff’ Review |
That is until Bianca’s childhood friend, and school football hero, Wesley Rush (Robbie Amell) points out that she is a DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend), forcing her to question close friendships as well as her chances with Toby – Bianca’s cultured (sushi-loving and guitar-playing) crush. In an effort to prove that she isn’t anyone’s DUFF, Bianca teams-up with Wesley (in exchange for Chemistry tutoring) to reinvent her image and recapture her former devil–may–care confidence. However, as Bianca becomes increasingly fixated on proving she isn’t a DUFF, she also realizes that a life-changing fight is at hand – one that is much bigger than catty labels on Urban Dictionary.
Based on Kody Keplinger’s 2010 novel of the same name (which she wrote her senior year of high school), The DUFF was adapted for the big screen by writer Josh A. Cagan (Bandslam) and director Ari Sandel (Aim High). Fans of the book will definitely notice that Sandel’s treatment is a streamlined version of the printed source - abandoning many of the novel’s more melodramatic, and overtly sexual, elements in favor of a straightforward tale of teenage self-empowerment (as well as romance). The book has been celebrated for its portrayal of modern teen relationships and high school bullying but the film story is filtered through PG-13 high school comedy tropes. The result? A humor-filled drama for the current high school crowd – since The Duff makes timely points about self-love, body image, and modern relationships but falls short of becoming a teen drama classic (e.g., Easy A, She’s All That, and 10 Things I Hate About You).
‘The Duff’ Review |
Fortunately, Sandel assembled a strong cast - with amusing, albeit pretty one-note performances from several familiar faces: Bella Thorne (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day), Allison Janney (Juno), Ken Jeong (The Hangover), and Romany Malco (Weeds). Though, in spite of quality supporting talent, there’s no doubt that Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell help elevate The DUFF above standard teen fare. After appearing as a side character in several cult-hit TV shows and films (Arrested Development, Parenthood, and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), Whitman proves that she can carry a lead role as Bianca. Keen comedic timing and charming whit, as well as comfort in her skin (alongside a cast of skinny blonde actresses), ensure that Whitman is practicing, in her own performance and larger career, what The DUFF preaches.
That said, while Whitman lays a strong foundation in the main role, the actress and the film are at their best when paired with Amell’s sincere and downright endearing take on standard high school jock cliches - as Bianca’s childhood friend, and neighbor, Wesley. Even when Whitman and Amell stretch to sell a few of the story’s more melodramatic plot beats, their onscreen friendship provides enjoyable banter (and some fresh twists on prior teen drama outlines).
‘The Duff’ Review |
Ultimately, The Duff does little to break from its teen drama format but, at the same time, provides worthwhile (albeit mostly superficial) updates to timeless genre tropes for current PG-13 viewers. While it does not reinvent the teen movie wheel, The Duff still touches on intimate subjects that are worthy of revisiting – especially in a culture that has become increasingly obsessed with social perception. For that reason, Sandel’s film isn’t likely to win-over older moviegoers who have seen similar storylines explored before, especially within the periphery of their own high school experience, but in terms of overall execution, The Duff is a successful adaptation – and should provide entertaining (and relatable) viewing for its intended audience.
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