Welcome to another edition of Casual Friday Reviews! No doubt you’re trying to see what’s going this weekend as far as movies go. This week there are two movies opening this week that are really not set to top the box office, but were still fun nonetheless. The Duff starring Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, & Robbie Amell; and Hot Tub Time Machine 2 starring Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, & Clark Duke.

The Duff

D.U.F.F – Designated Ugly Fat Friend. A term that has risen from the wonderful and intelligent social dynamics that are developed in high school (Note: that was heavy on the sarcasm). The movies ad campaign revealed the movie with the tag: “You either know one, you have one, or you are one.”

Bianca is a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as ‘The DUFF’ (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends. Now, despite the words of caution from her favorite teacher, she puts aside the potential distraction of her crush, Toby, and enlists Wesley, a slick but charming jock, to help reinvent herself. To save her senior year from turning into a total disaster, Bianca must find the confidence to overthrow the school’s ruthless label maker Madison and remind everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone’s DUFF. Written by CBS Films.

Initially I thought The Duff seemed interesting enough, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a decent high school comedy and was interested in seeing this one play out. I’m a big fan of both Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell and was down for seeing what this film would offer. Of course, I was ready to deal with the more blatant stereotypes the characters had to offer but from the trailer I thought it might be a good.

Overall The Duff was definitely a lighthearted time with a heartfelt lesson to offer its viewers. As much of a fan as I am of the two leads, I still would say you’re better off just waiting for the On Demand release.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2

The boys are back at it again… Well, most of them at least. When Lou finds himself in trouble, Nick and Jacob fire up the hot tub time machine in an attempt to get back to the past. But they inadvertently land in the future with Adam Jr. Now they have to alter the future in order to save the past – which is really the present. IMDB

Honestly, I set the bar really low for this one. The formula looked like they were using the Hangover’s method of sequel making. Basically it’s a follow-up to a film that, in all honesty, could have just been added in the extra features of DVD release of the original. I wanted to give it a shot because maybe they got it right for this one and the novelty would be found again and I’d have a great time watching this one.

I was wrong, folks. I was terribly wrong. The formula follows exactly the same as the Hangover. A sad attempt at trying to reclaim the novelty of the first film. They really should have just left this one alone. I would have been happier if they released it on Netflix to start. This movie will most likely end up coming in low in the box office this week and disappearing by the next. I could be wrong, but I think my statement holds. Don’t even bother on this one you’d be better off waiting for the On Demand. You’re pockets will thank you.