THE DUFF (2015)

Bianca Piper (the likable Mae Whitman) is your average high school girl who pals around with besties Jess (Skyler Samuels) and Casey (Bianca A. Santos) every day, when a chance remark from her lifelong friend and neighbor, football captain (and man-whore) Wes Rush (Robbie Amell, proving he can carry a film as a romantic-comedy lead), makes Biance realize that in terms of school pecking order she is a DUFF - the Designated Ugly Fat Friend guys find approachable when trying to scope out info on her hotter friends.  As Bianca realizes just how true the DUFF phenom is, she spirals out of control herself, ditching her friends and hiring Wes to teach her to be a hottie - leading to embarrassing viral videos, alienation from her entire school, and with no help even from her part-time mom (Allison Janney). Though the second half of The DUFF isn't as strong as its first, a likable cast, terrific soundtrack and the film's sarcastic sense of humor make this fun to watch - though it also (nicely) strives to share a positive message about staying true to yourself. (rated PG-13)  B+