The DUFF (2015) Full Movie

The DUFF Full Movie: A smart, snappy “Pygmalion” for the millennial age, “The Duff” gives a modernized makeover to a classical scenario involving an outcast who tries to fit in with the help of a good-looking, popular mentor. The ugly duckling in this case is Bianca (“Arrested Development’s” Mae Whitman), a high-school senior who’s initially defined by her denim overalls, penchant for burping, and extremely attractive and sought-after BFFs, Jess (Skyler Samuels) and Casey (Bianca Santos). Oblivious to the fact that she’s the most ignored member of her friendship threesome, Bianca finds her world upended when her lifelong neighbor, quarterback Wes (Robbie Amell), bluntly informs her that she’s a “Duff” – the Designated Ugly Fat Friend who functions as the gatekeeper for those interested in finding out about, or getting closer to, her more desirable comrades. Thus an identity crisis is born, one that director Ari Sandel and writer Josh A. Cagan (working from Kody Keplinger’s novel) handle with such shrewd wit and sensitivity that it’s hard not to see “The Duff” becoming an instant teen classic.

Faced with being a “Duff” — a term that, according to Wes, doesn’t literally refer to looks or weight, but functions as more of a catch-all phrase for dorky third wheels — Bianca sets out to rectify her situation by alienating Jess and Casey and enlisting Wes to renovate her life in exchange for science-class tutoring. This leads to an amusing montage of trying on outfits (and ridiculous dancing) that’s surreptitiously videotaped by the cohort of Wes’ nasty ex-girlfriend, Madison (Bella Thorne), and posted online, where it goes viral and turns Bianca into a school-wide laughing stock. If that weren’t mortifying enough, Bianca’s caught-on-camera hijinks also expose her feelings for earnest guitar-playing Toby (Nick Eversman), resulting in further embarrassment and, consequently, additional motivation to transcend her lowly social status.