The Duff (2015) Review in 2024
A teen comedy-drama about a high school student who discovers she's been labeled as the 'Duff' (designated ugly fat friend) and sets out to change her social status.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for teenagers and young adults, but may not be suitable for younger children due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of teen comedies and romances. It's a fun, lighthearted film that explores themes of self-acceptance and first love. However, viewers may find the plot somewhat predictable and the cinematography lacking.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Bianca, a popular high school student who realizes she's been labeled as the 'Duff' by her peers. She enlists the help of her friend Wesley, a charming but awkward student, to help her change her social status and find true love.
Review Details
story7.50/10
The story is engaging and relatable, exploring themes of high school social hierarchy, self-acceptance, and first love. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks originality.
acting8.50/10
The acting is superb, with Mae Whitman delivering a standout performance as Bianca. The supporting cast is also impressive, with notable performances from Bella Thorne and Robbie Amell.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and likable, with Mae Whitman delivering a standout performance as Bianca. The supporting cast is also impressive, with notable performances from Bella Thorne and Robbie Amell.
direction7.00/10
The direction is competent, with Ari Sandel handling the pacing and tone effectively. However, the film's visuals and cinematography are somewhat lacking, with some scenes feeling overly reliant on clichés.
cinematography6.50/10
The cinematography is unremarkable, with some scenes feeling overly reliant on generic high school settings. However, the film's color palette is pleasant, with a mix of bright and muted tones.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and standout performances make it a enjoyable watch. The film's themes of self-acceptance and first love are also relatable and timely.
Cons
The plot is somewhat predictable, and the cinematography is lacking. Some scenes feel overly reliant on clichés, and the film's visuals are unremarkable.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a Duff, I'm a diamond in the rough."
"You're not alone, I'm a Duff too."
"You're not the Duff, you're the 'it' girl."
