The Duff Review Roundup: What Did Critics Say About Mae Whitman's Teen Rom-Com?

Most agree that the Parenthood alum is the best part of the movie

By Francesca Bacardi Feb 19, 2015 8:31 PMTags
The DuffCBS Films/Lionsgate

Now that Parenthood has sadly come to an end, Mae Whitman has found herself starring in The Duff, a comedy based on the book by Kody Keplinger. For those not in the know about what a "duff" is, it stands for "dumb ugly fat friend."

Although the new teen rom-com looks promising from the trailers, critics agree that this poor man's Easy A might not have you thinking about it long after it's over, but it certainly solidifies the need to see more Whitman—on the small or big screen. The Arrested Development alum plays Bianca, the casual, flannel-wearing friend who is surrounded by "hot" girlfriends, which, according to her male neighbor, makes her the duff of the group.

Although the movie lacks in plot, critics agree that the movie is worth watching for for Whitman's amazing wit (intended) and humor.

Entertainment Weekly 's Kevin P. Sullivan writes, "The saving grace here is Mae Whitman, who breathes so much wit, humor, and charm into Bianca that the film's insulting title never makes complete sense." He also notes, however, that the film's setup leaves viewers wondering how realistic this movie could really be.

"The film's biggest crime, however, is never establishing Bianca's central friendship with Jess and Casey beyond the realms of voice-over and expository dialogue," he writes. "We never see them talk or share a moment outside of what the plot demands, leaving the audience to wonder whether their social order-defying bond could ever really happen."

Sheri Linden of The Hollywood Reporter found a little more goodness in the high school-centered movie, noting, "The movie's richest and most surprising twist is that the All-American jock turns out to be simpatico, and not the usual egotistical dunderhead. [RobbieAmell finds unexpected nuance in his character. As Wes and Bianca navigate the rules of the game, he and Whitman infuse formulaic teen snark with the depth of old souls.

The Wrap's Inkoo Kang went so far as to call The Duff  "this decade's Mean Girls," a bold comparison considering how successful (and still timely) that movie turned out to be. But she also agreed that Whitman is easily the best part of the comedy.

CBS Films/Lionsgate

"But director Ari Sandel's best asset is Whitman herself, who proves to be one of the funniest actresses of her generation here. (Here's the obligatory qualifier that Whitman—probably still best known as Ann "Her?" Veal on TV's Arrested Development, is obviously neither fat nor ugly, but hey, someone had to play her part.)," she writes, but adds that a movie about friendship and high school woes could have used a few more "gal-pal moments."

A.V. Club didn't find much redeemable about the comedy, but agreed with everyone else that this is Whitman's time to shine.

"This is [Whitman's] film, and she seems determined not to waste her chance at being a leading lady," Kate Rife notes. "The supporting cast is unfortunately less convincing—Ken Jeong turns in an uncharacteristically low-energy performance as a sensitive English teacher, and Allison Janney isn't quite credible either as Whitman's mother or as a motivational speaker, her ostensible occupation."

CBS Films/Lionsgate

Elizabeth Weitzman of the New York Daily News critiques the fact that while the movie is supposed to be celebrating owning your own individuality, it actually is filled with flawless hotties.

"Still, there's something off about a movie that suggests we should all embrace our inner DUFF yet presents an entire cast of superhot teens," she writes. "If feels like the whole screen's been airbrushed: Bianca's friends are beautiful, her crushes are gorgeous, even the extras are extra-attractive. Where are the geeks, the fangirls, the painfully uncool or even just awkward kids?"

She, in agreement with the other critics, notes that Whitman's role is the saving grace of the film, writing, "Really, though, most of the credit goes to Whitman, who stands in, and stands up, for the DUFF in all of us."

Will you be seeing The Duff? Sound off in the comments below!