Once you find out you fit a label, is it possible to change that?
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There is a new movie coming out this Friday, and one that modern teens can learn a lot from. The modern high school environment is messy and full of people who want to either bring people down or lift themselves up. This movie brings a new label to light, and paints a great image of how bad labels are and how they can change someones life, and rarely in a good way. The film has comedy, drama and some moments that will bring a tear to your eye. It is a film parents should take their teenage kids to, they will both learn a ton from it.
Bianca is a woman who is smart, independent and is sure what she wants out of life. She works as an editor for the school paper, and has two close friends that she does everything with. She has her own style, and cares little of what people think of her. But this changes at a party one night when it comes to her attention that she is her friends Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend).Upon hearing this news, she is full of anger, shock and disbelief. She pushes her friends away, and instantly becomes unsure of what to do with her life now.
But the answer comes to her one night, the best thing she thinks to do is change her image. She asks her neighbor Westley to help her out and she in return will help him pass a class so he can keep playing sports. It is an interesting scene because these two people who have little in common and are from such different social circles come together because they both have something they can offer to help each other succeed in their goals.
So off these two go on a quest to help Bianca become a better woman. It is a time full of some very funny moments, some heartache and pain and some scenes that help these old friends reconnect and build a true bond. Westley and Bianca will figure out some things along the way that they never thought of before, and learn a lesson or two that will make sure things are never the same.
Newcomer Mae Whitman is the perfect fit for Bianca. She is a woman who is just trying to survive high school, but this is not an easy task by any means. She is a really good role model for teens because she never gives up on being a better person in this film. No matter how difficult it can be sometimes, she always presses on. When life throws her a curve ball, she never lets it bring her down. Her character is the life blood of this movie, and brings an ending that will warm you heart.
Ken Jeong is very funny as Mr. Arthur. He is the head editor for the school paper, and he is a character who is unaware of recent trends and lives in his own world. He says a lot of strange things, but they always made me laugh. This is one of his better roles mainly because his character is not too out there to be believable. He is a good mentor and someone who protects the people he cares about. It was a nice change to see him play a role like this, and I hope it is not the last time because he just nailed it.
The plot of this movie is inspiring, and asks a tough question. When you find out you fit a label, do you have to just conform to it? This movie says loudly “absolutely not”! Rather than take the easy route and accept it, why not challenge it. Do what is needed not matter how hard it may be, and let nobody stop you from changing yourself. If you are not happy with who people see you as it is your duty and responsibility to do something about it. The film advises against doing it alone, but having someone to help you it is hard to say what may happen along the way. In the end, accept who you are and yet never let it define you or bring you down.
When I was watching this film, it took me back to my days in high school. I found myself able to relate to Bianca in many ways. I was a nerd, and a person who didn’t have much luck with the opposite sex. I had my own style, and I had little regard for what people thought of me. I had a few friends who were more attractive and popular, and just seemed to get along with people easier than I did. It was during this film that I realized I may have been a Duff, and I just never knew it at the time.
I really had a blast watching this movie. I laughed harder than I have in a long time, and also found myself relating to many of the characters. This film brings some harsh realities to light like how people are so attached to technology. There is a scene were the whole school has to be without their cell phones for over a day, and you would think they would die without them. The student body had no clue how to interact with each other, and it was tough to have normal conversations because the only way they do this is with their cell phones. It was a good social commentary, and I hope personally parents and kids learn something from it.
The soundtrack was very good. It has songs that are original and make sure to liven up a good moment or make clear the emotions felt in a sad scene. The special effects are also good, if not sometimes extravagant and silly. They add to the emotions going on, or help to make clear to the audience what may be going on in Bianca’s head at that moment. I would rate this movie 9/10.
If you are looking for a good comedy, this is the film for you. If you want to see a film with your friends, this is a film to run out to see. It is perfect for adults and teens truly will learn so much from its lessons. But it is not a film for kids because of the sexual innuendos and adult situations. Go out and watch this movie when it comes out Friday February 20, you will be glad that you did.
Watch the trailer here:
I’m all for doing things to improve one’s self-image. Where I’m more hesitant is in doing things as a reaction to other people’s stereotyping. I would love a film where the more the haters mock the hero for her idiosyncrasies, the more she shines them and shows how special she is for having them.