Cast: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Bianca Santos, Skyler Samuels, Nick Eversman, Alison Janney, Romany Malco, Ken Jeong
Directed By: Ari Sandel
Written By: Josh Cagan (screenplay), Kody Keplinger (novel)
Producers: Susan Cartsonis, McG, Mary Viola
Genre: Comedy
Distributor: CBS Films
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Official Trailer | My The DUFF Book Review
Summary:
Bianca (Mae Whitman) is a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as ‘The DUFF’ (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends (Skyler Samuels & Bianca Santos). Now, despite the words of caution from her favorite teacher (Ken Jeong), she puts aside the potential distraction of her crush, Toby (Nick Eversman), and enlists Wesley (Robbie Amell), a slick but charming jock, to help reinvent herself. To save her senior year from turning into a total disaster, Bianca must find the confidence to overthrow the school’s ruthless label maker Madison (Bella Thorne) and remind everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone’s DUFF.
I was invited to an advanced screening of the movie and this didn’t affect my opinion of the film in any way.
My Review:
I was beyond excited when I was invited to watch an early premiere of The DUFF. Although I didn’t necessarily love the book, I always wondered how the movie will turn out since almost the entire plot of the book was basically changed in the movie. Answer: Even with the plot change, the movie turned out to be completely fabulous.
I absolutely adored the way the movie started. It was unique and captured my attention right from the very beginning. It was dramatic, it was fun, and it was snarky. I wish that I could rewatch the beginning again and just stare at its perfection.
I guarantee you guys that you’ll laugh at least ten times during the movie. And maybe you’ll even tear up once. Yes, fine, okay, I’ll admit it, I did tear up during this one particular moment in the movie, but hey, how could you not? You guys will probably tear up a bit too once you’ve watched that part.
I am sad that Bianca’s friends didn’t play a huge role in the movie like they did in the original book though. They just appeared at the beginning of the movie, made very short appearances in the middle, and then played a huge part at the last twenty or so minutes of the movie. It couldn’t be helped with the new plot the movie introduced, but I wish I saw more of them so I could get a feel of their friendship with Bianca a little more.
I’m also sad to say that not much of the book made it into the movie – only the DUFF concept and the relationships between the characters that were in the book made it into the movie – but hey, I enjoyed the movie either way especially since it kept the book‘s awesome message. The DUFF movie certainly stands up on its own despite its lack of similarity to the book. Wait until you see all those fantasies. -wink wink-
The entire movie soundtrack is perfect and I can’t wait for the entire soundtrack to be released so I can add some songs that were used in the movie onto my playlist.
Overall, there’s no doubt that I will strongly recommend you to watch The DUFF movie. Hey, it’ll definitely brighten up your day. What can be better than that?
Oh I’m glad to hear this! I loved this book very much so I’m glad the movie is good too. Can’t wait to see it.
It’s god to see that even with the plot change the movie is still great! And Robbie Amell is a dreamy Wesley :D
My sister and I got to see an early screening of the DUFF as well and I loved it! I’ve never read the book however and it will probably stay that way cause the movie was just too darn cute for me to want to try comparing them in my head.lol Glad you liked it!
And yes, I did tear up a bit in this movie :)
SarahO. (Between Bookends) recently posted…Four: A Divergent Story Collection by Veronica Roth
Oh yeah, I saw this a few weeks ago and definitely laughed a bunch! I also teared up at one part so much that tears were streaming down my face, and I think the guy sitting next to me sniffled a bit as well. :-) I haven’t read the book yet, so that probably helped me not miss parts like you did.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Review: Beautiful You by Chuck Palahniuk
EEEP I am so excited!! You lucky duck, getting the opportunity for an advanced screening ;) I read THE DUFF like 2 years ago so the details are a little fuzzy, but I’m glad the movie was still extremely enjoyable, even with the plot changes. And I love a good laugh/cry! Thanks for your thoughts, Kelly!
I’m glad to know that the movie was very funny, but I’m still not sure whether I want to see it in the theaters or just wait for it to come out on DVD or Netflix. I know that they changed the plot big time so I’m scared that the movie will be a disappointment.
Leigh @ Little Book Star recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #13
I’m really excited for this movie. I loved the book. Figures that much of the book is kept out of the movie. Oh well. Great review!
Lola recently posted…Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines by Katy Cannon
I’m glad you liked the movie! I’m super excited to see it after reading the book only last week. But I’m also a little disappointed that the movie doesn’t follow the book at all – I really liked the story of the book. But the movie still sounds great and I’m gonna try not to compare everything to the book. Great review!
Karin recently posted…Review: The Duff
I’ve been hearing a lot of mixed things about it.
I didn’t really find the trailer funny at all, sadly. Instead, I kind of watched it with an awkward/uncomfortable look because I knew that it was supposed to be funny and when it wasn’t, that’s when I felt awkward.
I haven’t read the book so I’m sure if I watch it, I’ll go in without any biases [maybe not anymore, since I’ve been reading reviews] I do like the girl they casted as Bianca, she seems really genuine. However, I don’t like Bella Thorne as an actress so since she’s the stereotypical popular girl, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.
Awesome review, Kelly!
Nova @ Out of Time recently posted…ARC Review: The Sin Eater’s Daughter – Melinda Salisbury
Really? okay i haven’t read the book. But i think i can skip it and just watch the movie when it comes out in my local theater. I am glad it turned out great for you. I have some idea what’s the book about and i hope it will be a fun movie experience for me :)
I’m gonna watch this and not even try to compare it to the book. I hope I love it, even with the changes, it looks awesome. Plus, Robbie Ammell :)
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Nice reviews, i was worry about the movie, because i love the book and the trailer not looks like the same, but if the message is there and it is a good movie i want to watch the movie soon, but i will miss Bianca friends, they are so cool. And hope listen de soundtrack soon, i need new music for my Ipod :)
I am a huge fan of the book,and despite the fact that the movie sounds different from the book,I am looking forward to watch it!The trailer was cool and funny,and I am glad that they still stuck to the concept and message.
Great review,Kelly!
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I remember when I first heard about the book, The Duff around the time I was in sophomore? year of high school. I didn’t put much thought into it. I still don’t feel like reading the book, but the commercials I’ve seen for the movie definitely make me want to see it. It just looks so hilarious! lol And I’m glad you liked the movie a lot too! Can’t wait to see this one! n_n
I love the trailer itself. :D But now reading your blog makes me want to watch it three times fold. I can relate with The Duff cos’ I myself is more like the Duff in the group. That’s why I love it.
The movie sounds lovely, but I just wish it was more like the book . . ..
didn’t read the book, but the movie looks fun
im glad u enjoyed the movie :) the trailer looks really cool and funny and somethign i will like to watch, i dont want to read the book since its not really my type of book i have only read to contemporary book tifos and if i stay, contemporary book arent just really my cup of tea, so i think i will just watch the movie, i know the movie must be a bit different from the book but oh well. :P
I haven’t seen this one yet :-( I was really worried about it because the trailer didn’t seem like the movie would follow along with the book at all! Glad to hear that it is still fabulous, will definitely watch it now! Thanks for posting a review, I think that your review talked me into wanting to buy it when it comes out :-)
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