The Duff *** (2015, Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Robbie Amell) – Movie Review

Mae Whitman plays kooky Bianca, a high school senior who is shocked to find out that she has been labelled the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier more popular friends. But she’s a game girl and she sets about to starts up a revolution in the school social pecking order. Bianca has to overthrow the school’s ruthless lovely Madison (Bella Thorne).

There are enough laughs in this harmless, good-hearted and fairly amusing high school romantic comedy to make it worthwhile. It would like to be Clueless (1995) but it can’t find the same class or laughs.

Whitman has charm and she is funny, but not quite as much as she thinks so she gets by on a turn of bravura confidence. Robbie Amell is appropriately cute and muscular as the dumb school jock hunk who tells Whitman she’s a DUFF, then teaches her how to be cool in return for school lessons.

Unfortunately, the duo’s relationship matures into a most obvious love in unexpected places conclusion that’s so predictable and improbable that it’s hard to warm to it. The film’s definitely best when it’s being sharp and cynical.

Allison Janney is wasted as Bianca’s sassy mom. Ken Jeong is his usual aggravating presence as teacher Mr Arthur, and Chris Wylde matches him as Mr Filmore.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Movie Review

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com