When hearing the title, most of my female friends were offended on finding out what “DUFF” stood for. The Designated Ugly Fat Friend. They were especially upset when seeing a picture of Bianca (Mae Whitman), who is the furthest from the harsh acronym.
Bianca (Mae Whitman) and Wesley (Robbie Amell) star in ‘The DUFF.’
However as harsh as the title is, then 17-year-old author Kody Keplinger knew she was creating a controversial word, but just like that, screenwriter Josh A. Cagan has Wesley (Robbie Amell) explain that you don’t have to be a beast, but that the DUFF is the least attractive friend in the social circle.
What was surprising was the crowd reaction. I spoke with several female attendees following the screening and because of legalities, I cannot name these minors’ as their parents did not sign a waver. One high school sophomore said, “It’s funny and inspiring. Just because you’re different doesn’t mean you shouldn’t love who you are.”
Her friend said, “I can’t stop laughing. It was realistic and really like being in high school.”
Even more awe-inspiring was that several teens left the theater saying, “I’m a DUFF!” Not in a derivative way, but as a badge of honor. I think what made it work was that they used the five stages of grief as the foundation for the comedy, which is an interesting twist, but it made perfect sense for this story.
Is The DUFF cliche at times? Of course, but it is the uber-teen comedy. For the older crowd, you get visual throwbacks and verbal references to Valley Girls, Pretty in Pink, Can’t Buy Me Love, The Breakfast Club, She’s All That, Can’t Hardly Wait and even This is Spinal Tap!
Mae Whitman is the next Lucille Ball (yes, we’re going classic Hollywood royalty here). Her timing is perfect. She doesn’t miss a single beat and even in carrying the weight of the not only the title but torture from the mean girls Madison (Bella Thorne) and Caitlyn (Rebecca Weil).
Amell’s character is a funny, charming, closet dork. Picture a likeable Stifler from American Pie.
The DUFF will have you rolling, check it out on Friday, February 20, 2015.
