“The Duff” was originally a novel written by an Owensboro teenager a few years ago. Cut to a few years later and we’ve got a film release that’s charming, but something feels off. The pretty teenager aesthetic of a major film release is there. Plus, Ken Jeong provides a few laughs as the main adult role. Still, I feel like we’re tap dancing around what doesn’t work here.
Mae Whitman is an amazing actress, but I don’t buy her as ugly or fat. Personal aesthetic is a fluid concept, but if Miss Whitman is what the kids are dubbing to be a Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend), then I just don’t get it anymore. More than anything, I’m glad that the film flips that designation back on those that would roll that moniker out to the populace. Anyone that is willing to access people that way doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. I just hope that message dawns on kids.
The Blu-Ray comes with featurettes, extended gag reel and a Digital HD copy as the special features. The A/V Quality is sharp for a teen comedy. The 1080p transfer shows no signs of noise. Plus, the DTS-HD 5.1 track keeps all channels open. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
Release Date: 6/9/15