The Duff * * *

Teen Films are a huge genre and I have probably missed many of the recent ones, but like horror or comedy it’s always been there. Teen movies are like teens themselves: when they are good they are very good but when they are bad they are horrid. The Duff is pretty good. Not quite up there with classics such as Mean Girls, Breakfast Club and nowhere near Ferris Buellers Day Off, but still pretty good.
The Duff, like most teen movies will date quickly I am sure, but unfortunately I don’t know if the term DUFF will. It means Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Someone likely to be found in just about any social group apparently. (God! kids today can be cruel.) The film is based on a teen novel of the same name. With one exception most of the actors are in their twenties who are now over their gawkiness, braces, and utter lack of sophistication. They also seem to shop and dine with no concern for budget. But I guess a lot teen movies are there to provide a fantasy world for their audience as much as anything.

So Bianca learns she is the DUFF in her group of friends. She is also cruelly mocked on social media. (Not only can kids today be cruel but they've got the means to really stick it to each other). But there is also an unresolved romance going on (surprise surprise). The usual parade of characters are there, the beautiful looking bitch, the handsome dumb jock, the misunderstood shy girl and boy, the gawky teacher, all of whom are self-mockingly announced at the beginning of the film. It’s a fun film which ultimately delivers a very positive message. Your kids (and you) could see much worse than this.