The DUFF, based on Kody Kepinger’s young adult novel of the same name, is a modern My Fair Lady or (for those who prefer plays over musicals) a modern Pygmalion. The director, Ari Sandel, puts a delightfully snappy spin on the long told tale of the social outcast who changes their ways in an attempt to fit in.

The modern Eliza Doolittle in this tale is Bianca (Parenthood’s Mae Whitman), a high school senior with a tendency for flannel and overalls. She is friends with the incredibly popular and incredibly attractive Jess (Skyler Samuels) and Casey (Bianca A. Santos). Bianca is often ignored and used by others to get closer to her friends, and eventually she is informed by Wes (Robbie Amell), the school stud and her childhood neighbor, that she is her friend group’s DUFF. The phrase DUFF stands for Designated Ugly Fat Friend. A DUFF, according to Wes, does not need to be literally ugly or fat, but is rather a catch-all phrase for the third-wheel friend. Cue the identity crisis. Once Wes calls Bianca a DUFF, Bianca enlists him to help her re-create her image in exchange for tutoring in science class.

Sharp and witty, the script of DUFF, courtesy of Josh A. Cagan, is well-paced and hysterical. But a timeless classic, the movie is not. Due to the very nature of the plot, it is very heavy in its social media references, making The DUFF a movie definitively for teens if that was not clear enough by the trailer. The constant social media references are accentuated by the film’s heavy usage of twitter-themed character introductions, which work and fit the tone of the film. The topical quality of the film does not make it a lasting teen classic, but it does make it a relevant and enjoyable watch.

However, its relevance does not bely its John Hughes roots with the film’s exploration of high school stereotypes. References to the Breakfast Club in the beginning of the film create a playful tone on what will be The DUFF’s spin on the usual high schooler. Although the film stays true to high school stereotypes — the dim-witted jock and catty Queen Bee — these archetypes are made more interesting by being funnier than their usual counterparts.

Overall, the film is incredibly well-cast. Whitman plays Bianca with an endearing charm and quirky weirdness that she pulls off flawlessly. Her performance is really what carries the film. Similarly, Dottie (Alison Janney), Bianca’s mom, and Mr. Arthur (Community’s Ken Jeong), Bianca’s journalism teacher, are consistently funny as the out-of-touch, clueless adult figures.

As far as teen films go, The DUFF offers a relatively meaningful and wholesome message. Even those with the sturdiest of self-confidences will waver. However, we should not try to fix our insecurities, but rather embrace them and be the best versions of ourselves. To quote Bianca’s mom, “Be the best weirdo you can be.” With its valuable message and witty script, The DUFF is a fun watch and a must-see this February.