From Prada To Nada [HD]

FROM PRADA TO NADA is SOMETHING!
I had every intention of seeing this movie in the theaters but missed it. When it came up as a recommendation on Amazon I rented it immediately. Yes, it is very, loosely based on Sense and Sensibility. VERY LOOSELY, mostly in thematic strains, but you can still see the connection.

The twist is that the characters are based on a hispanic family in Los Angeles. There is an easy transition from english to spanish in the film, with the spanish dialogue subtitled. This is a particularly charming aspect of the movie as the transition happens effortlessly and really lends to the comical aspect of the film. Being hispanic myself, only made it more endearing to me. The family from East Los Angeles, reminded me so much of relatives and friends, I was crying with laughter! The aunt is truly a wonderful actress and has some of the funniest lines. Bruno, played by Wilmer Valderama, is exceptional. HIs subtle approach to his character was a pleasant surprise. Alexa Vega...

When One Door Closes...
This movie was funny, sad at times, and the tension ran deep. I thought this would be another "cute" movie, but there were so many lessons in this so-called "silly" movie.

1.) illusion versus reality
2.) family comes first
3.) stay true to your roots
4.) be kind to others/help the down-trodden
5.) be happy wherever you are
and many, many more

SOMETIMES YOU PLAY THE GAME...
...even when you know you can't win. Two polar opposite sisters (the whore and the spinster) suddenly find themselves poor upon the death of their father. They discover they have a brother who takes 1/3. They move from Beverly Hills to East LA to live with their estranged aunt. The two sisters were excellently portrayed by Camille Bell and Alexa Vega who managed to shine through a predictable script with a weak plot and lack of character building. While attempting to break with the negative stereotypes of Latino-Americans it reenforces others.

The movie carries a message about the importance of family and is the perfect film for the teenage drama queen in your life. No nudity. No sex, although it shows Alexa waking up in bed with a man, no f-bombs. It might be fairer to the movie and Jane Austin to claim the film was inspired by her book rather than being based on it, I mean they did cut out the third sister, Margaret.

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