The DUFF

No, this movie isn't about the beer featured on The Simpsons. It's a teen comedy in which Bianca (Mae Whitman), a smart high school girl, is told that in her circle of friends, she is the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). Of course it's a relative term, as Bianca is neither ugly nor fat, but the idea is that every group has one member that's less attractive, who then allows the hot friends to stand out and flourish. Bianca ditches her friends and enlists the efforts of handsome neighbor Wesley (Robbie Amell) to transform her into someone more beautiful, so she can seek her revenge.

ClearPlay In Action!

There is a surprising amount of crude behavior, sexuality, and innuendo in the PG-13 version of The DUFF. Some of it comes in daydream sequences, some in teen talk. The ClearPlayed version cleans up several scenes of implied sensual behavior, as well as about 80 instances of language. ClearPlayed, the movie is fine for most teens and older, and teaches a message of empowerment.

Is The DUFF 'all that'?....

Despite the obvious comparisons to She's All That, The DUFF's success rises and falls on its appealing star Whitman. For me, the movie wasn't the new teen classic this generation has been waiting for, but it's amiable and smart, which is a cut above the average fare for the genre. The amount of content edited keeps me from giving it a higher star rating.

Marty Nabhan, ClearPlay DING (Dweeb Intellect Nerd Geek)

Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual material throughout, some language and teen partying; 101 mins; Directed by Ari Sandel