THE DUFF (2015)

A high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF – Designated Ugly Fat Friend – by her prettier, more popular counterparts. — IMDB

The message of this movie is the strongest thing about it. Ranging across the nature of true friendship, cyberbullying, and social stereotypes – this is a movie that every teen would do well to see. The story itself is a bit uneven – it grew on me as it progressed until, by the end, I was really impressed with it. It’s a teen movie with more substance than many. Mae Whitman, who plays Bianca, the DUFF of the title, delivers her role with warmth and sensitivity. She’s the outstanding actor in this movie. There’s great chemistry between the leads. And it’s good to see something that tackles some of the more troubling contemporary problems teens face in their relationships without excessive sexual content. A pleasure to watch.