BeautifulBallad Reviews The DUFF

CBS Films’ The DUFF tells the story of Bianca (Mae Whitman), a cult movie fan and honor roll student, who has just found out she is the D.U.F.F. (designated ugly fat friend) in her group of friends. To fix this problem she seeks help from her childhood friend, and football star, Wesley (Robbie Amell) in hopes of no longer being a D.U.F.F. and getting a date with the guy she likes.

Whitman was one of the best parts of the movie, she carried the film with her quick comedic timing and awkward non-verbal’s. Every character benefited when they shared scenes with Whitman. She was the lone standout, aside from the always great Alison Janney. Hopefully this is the start of more leading roles for her in the coming years.

Amell did a fine job portraying Wesley as a the stereotypical jerk jock who is actually a sensitive guy. Bella Thorne played mean-girl Madison, she did well with what she had to work with. However, she and Amell lacked chemistry.

Although the plot is slightly different from other films it is still a typical high school movie, not as charming as She’s All That or funny as Mean Girls. I would have liked to have seen something more different happen to Madison (Bella Thorne) in the movie besides just losing her boyfriend.

The DUFF is still a cute, fun movie to see. It does have several humorous moments and for those no longer in high school, it may even bring back some memories.

Grade: B-