Film Review: The Duff
DUFF aka designated fat ugly friend is what high school senior Bianca is horrified to discover is her social label. She is always being ignored or used by guys in her year so they can try and access her supposedly more attractive, skinnier friends Jess and Casey. This is bluntly pointed out by her 'man slut' childhood friend Wesley, who between random hook ups is in an on-off relationship with Madison, the popular bitch who enjoys humiliating Bianca to make her feel even more in control.
Being a teenage girl, I found this high school chick flick rather easy to watch and enjoyed the comedy as well as the message it gave out. Although it has a very corny American high school setting that lives up to all the typical cliches, Bianca's rebellion to the system gave it a refreshing balance. The main substance of the story is Bianca's mission to escape from the DUFF label and get a date with her crush - helping her along is Wesley, who shows his soft side through teaching her to be more datable as she keeps her end of the bargain by tutoring him in science. Both Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell excel in their performances of this unusual bond they have shared since being kids, with an entertaining mix of friendship, frustration and flirtation. Whitman conveys Bianca as a likable, interesting character who you cannot help but sympathize for and in my case relate to, as she cannot get through a day without embarrassing herself.
I also particularly enjoyed Ken Jeong as Mr Arthur, the dorky teacher who believes in Bianca and confides in her that he used to be the DUFF himself. Probably the funniest character of all would have to be Bianca's mum Dottie, played by the elegant Allison Janney. Her motivational speaking business was all inspired by an episode of The Simpsons, which I thought was hilarious, and she kind of struck me as a wannabe of Regina George's mum, wanting to stay young as she tries to pose in a 'duck head' pout for her internet dating page.
Maybe the ending was predictable, as my sister figured it out and whispered it me within 10 minutes of the movie, but I wouldn't have sussed it (although I never do with these things.) That said, I enjoyed the film and was laughing throughout. The dialogue was witty, and turned out to leave a good message that turned the word DUFF into a less hurtful insult that everyone could lightheartedly admit to being.
So, the verdict? If you can bear the standard cheesy elements of an American High School chick flick (prom king and queen, make over at the mall, you know the drill) then this is worth a watch for a bit of fun. Not exactly the best movie I've seen, nor do I think it's as iconic as mean girls, but it does have a share of unique twists and comic moments. Get down to the pictures with your friends, sister, gay best friend or whoever and give it a go.
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