THE DUFF (2015)

Summary:

High school senior Bianca Piper discovers she's been labeled the "DUFF" (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) of her more popular and attractive friends. Mortified by the revelation, she enlists the help of her charming, popular jock neighbor, Wesley Rush, to reinvent herself and shed the notorious label before homecoming.

As Bianca navigates the treacherous waters of high school social dynamics, she learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and challenging stereotypes, ultimately realizing that true popularity comes from within and that being a "DUFF" isn't a bad thing at all.

Keywords: The DUFF, 2015, Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Teen Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-age.

Plot:

Bianca Piper is a seemingly content high school student until her childhood crush, Toby Tucker, inadvertently reveals to her that she is the "DUFF" within her friend group, Jess and Casey. Devastated by this realization, Bianca confronts her friends, who reluctantly confirm the label. Determined to change her status and attract Toby, Bianca makes a deal with her former childhood friend and popular football star, Wesley Rush: she will tutor him in science if he helps her become "un-DUFFed."

Wesley's unconventional advice leads Bianca through a series of humorous and often embarrassing makeovers and social experiments, including a disastrous shopping trip and a failed date with Toby. Meanwhile, Madison Morgan, Wesley's jealous ex-girlfriend, tries to sabotage Bianca at every turn. As Bianca spends more time with Wesley, she begins to develop feelings for him, complicating her original goal. Ultimately, Bianca realizes that trying to change herself to fit in or please others is not the answer. She delivers a powerful speech at the homecoming dance, encouraging everyone to embrace their individuality and reject labels, before sharing a heartfelt kiss with Wesley, accepting herself and finding love.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Mae Whitman as Bianca Piper
• Robbie Amell as Wesley Rush
• Bella Thorne as Madison Morgan
• Bianca A. Santos as Casey Cordero
• Skyler Samuels as Jess Harris
• Nick Eversman as Toby Tucker
• Allison Janney as Dottie Piper

Crew:

• Director: Ari Sandel
• Screenwriter: Josh A. Cagan (based on the novel by Kody Keplinger)
• Producers: Susan Cartsonis, Mary Viola, McG
• Composer: Dominic Lewis
• Cinematographer: David Hennings
• Editor: Michel Aller

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: February 20, 2015
• Language: English
• Genre: Teen Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-age
• Running Time: 101 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for several Teen Choice Awards including Choice Movie: Comedy, Choice Movie Actress: Comedy (Mae Whitman), and Choice Movie Actor: Comedy (Robbie Amell).