Attempts made at this genre have turned my stomach in the past.
But it has also been breakthrough ground for many an actor, writer and director.
In this day and age, originality or even a decent attempt at reinvigorating a tired story arc is rare but I was relieved and pleasantly surprised by this film.
Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell have a commanding and heartwarming chemistry I honestly thought would never again be achieved in this age of shallow and genre over-kill. They gave a sincerity to the film that was its compelling foundation and saving grace, especially as they were given the term "Duff" to reckon with and make an endearing learning curve. Their interactions were a joy to watch and made for many an honest laugh which won this film comedic credibility.
It also has Allison Janney. It also has Ken Jeong. It also has Romany Malco. So, that's win for me too.
It lost a point in not fleshing out Bianca's best friends. Maybe this was done on purpose but their dialogue lacked substance which I found bizarre amidst the rest of the film's promising and developed aspects.
It does an admirable job in handling the awkward and the heart of the matter. It reflects on points and issues that could well be causing self-doubt among teens out there, indeed the world in general, especially in this social media-crazed society, and the film does so with a humour and timing that was welcome and unexpected.
A definite recommend for any movie night. It's light, highly watchable and soon becomes a favourite.
In this day and age, originality or even a decent attempt at reinvigorating a tired story arc is rare but I was relieved and pleasantly surprised by this film.
Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell have a commanding and heartwarming chemistry I honestly thought would never again be achieved in this age of shallow and genre over-kill. They gave a sincerity to the film that was its compelling foundation and saving grace, especially as they were given the term "Duff" to reckon with and make an endearing learning curve. Their interactions were a joy to watch and made for many an honest laugh which won this film comedic credibility.
It also has Allison Janney. It also has Ken Jeong. It also has Romany Malco. So, that's win for me too.
It lost a point in not fleshing out Bianca's best friends. Maybe this was done on purpose but their dialogue lacked substance which I found bizarre amidst the rest of the film's promising and developed aspects.
It does an admirable job in handling the awkward and the heart of the matter. It reflects on points and issues that could well be causing self-doubt among teens out there, indeed the world in general, especially in this social media-crazed society, and the film does so with a humour and timing that was welcome and unexpected.
A definite recommend for any movie night. It's light, highly watchable and soon becomes a favourite.