From Prada to Nada (2011) User Reviews

Solid Knockoff Adaptation of an Austen Classic (better than many)

[cinemagirl2010 · 6/10 · 3 January 2015]

I have to admit I have a soft spot for Austen and the many, many (did I mention many?) adaptions. Yes I realize that most are less than stellar but there is something about a classic Austen love story that makes me smile. This is most assuredly a knockoff adaption of Sense and Sensibility, if you know the tale you will not be surprised where this story takes you. As far as adaptions go however, this is a very sweet, abet unoriginal version.

The "twist" to this Austen remake is that the cast is mainly Latino and is set in modern day east LA. I am not Hispanic so I cannot speak to the authenticness (and not stereotypical) of the Mexican/American culture but I enjoyed how they incorporated this aspect into the Austen storyline.

I did not expect much so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. There was a real sense of love and warmth between the family, more so than in many other portrayals. The writers managed to bring the adaption into the modern world and cast the characters well. With the title being what it is I was not expecting the level of acting to be high but I was surprised at how good they depicted their roles. Yes it isn't top notch acting but for the most part they all delivered a solid performance.

In short decent acting, good Austen plot, and warm loving characters made this worth watching at least once.

A rather nice movie actually...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 5 August 2013]

Believing this to be a comedy, I sat down to watch it, only to find out that the movie was more of a romantic drama, than it was a comedy. So was that a bad thing? No, because "From Prada to Nada" turned out to be a rather nice cultural movie of sorts.

The story is about two sisters who live in luxury in Beverly Hills, when their father drops dead on his 55th birthday. Finding out that their father was a risk-taker and is in serious debt, the sisters Nora (played by Camilla Belle) and Mary (played by Alexa Vega) have to pack up their things and move to East Los Angeles to live with their Mexican family. This is somewhat of a change of lifestyle and a whole new world for the rich man's daughters.

I will say that "From Prada to Nada" turned out to be more than just a 'riches to rags' story. It deals with finding yourself even when odds are stacked against you, and finding your heritage even after having deluded yourself otherwise. And, of course, it is a story of family bonds and of finding love.

There were aspects and parts of the movie that were venturing down the 'chick flick' lane, while other parts of the movie were so predictable that you saw it coming a mile away. But still, "From Prada to Nada" turned out to be an enjoyable and somewhat beautiful movie.

The people cast for the various roles were doing good jobs, and especially Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega carried the movie quite well. And it was nice to see Wilmer Valderrama in this movie as well.

If you enjoy a moving with a loving story and a story that is close to life and realistic, then you should give "From Prada to Nada" a watch, because it is well worth it.

amusing movie

[quiereuna_calle · 29 December 2011]

I enjoyed this movie.It may not have the most amazing acting but I can tell the people in it are having fun. I loved the slices of Mexican/American culture. It is a pretty clean comedy compared to most PG- 13 ones. The expanded rating gives the reasons for the PG-13. It is a unique variation of the Jane Austin movie it is based on. I think the parts in Spanish are much more entertaining if you know Spanish. Although you can still enjoy it even if you do not know Spanish. If you know nothing of LA or some Mexican traditions this is probably not the movie for you. I liked it more for the culture and the moral lessons. I would watch this movie again which is a lot to say since most movies fail to entertain me after one sitting.

Orange Face

[discolover-1 · 4/10 · 15 September 2018]

Gross! Why do these girls need to be spray tanned to be "Mexican." Makes zero sense and is offensive. Someone should have realized this was a glaring mistake. So embarrassing!

Lose the Jane Austen expectations and you'll be fine

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 3 September 2013]

Ostensibly a modern retelling of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility", the sisters Nora Dominguez (Camilla Belle) and Mary Dominguez (Alex Vega) are now rich Latinas who grew up rich and ignorant of their culture. When they lose their father and their fortune, they are forced to live with their poor relatives in East L.A.

Jane Austen doesn't always translate completely to modern times. Marriage just doesn't have the same importance as in Jane's times. The culture has changed in 200 years. But if we take the story without the Austen expectations, it works relatively fine.

However not everything is as fine as others. Mary is a little too privileged and ignorant to be likable for my taste. Alex Vega is playing her too much like a stereotype. And the production value is a little bit limited. With good actors available, they needed a more experienced director. Angel Gracia could only give us a made-for-TV level of style. Overall this rom-com is much richer of a story than most. It is definitely better than most of Lifetime or Hallmark romance.

Rushed, shallow and predictable

[j_co · 3/10 · 26 September 2020]

Every second of this movie can be seen from miles away, the acting is terrible, the story is rushed with no substance.

Not worth the time, even if you're bored

A very real and unique story

[americana_films · 8/10 · 3 February 2011]

I am no expert on this genre, but I'd have to say that "From Prada to Nada" is a notch above most of the romantic comedies that are out there This is a witty and realistic romantic comedy waiting for you. I was glad I had a chance to see this film earlier because I'm certain there will be a lot of "naysayers" out there that will dissuade others from seeing it, but to me, this seems like a perfect film for discussion with a circle of good friends.

Unlike other films coming from the genre, this film not only has witty dialog and cleverness without being too sentimental but it takes on the subject of the Hispanic society with just the right touch.

The actors involved, of course, have a lot to do with the making of a good film and overall, the actors are perfect for their roles, each one of them bringing a dose of reality to the screen.

Not everyone is going to get this film but in my opinion, "From Prada to Nada" is a highly enjoyable movie that surprisingly has something for everyone.

Enjoyable but weak in parts

[luciabcn86 · 7/10 · 28 February 2019]

I enjoyed this movie for what it is. As far as romcoms go its nice and I cared enough to keep watching. I would say though that Camilla Belle's acting was awful, I can't imagine why she was in the film. All the scenes with her were not very believable and had no life in them. Also the attempt at doing a more serious subplot with the legal case they won was really quite naf. I enjoyed Alexa Vega's storyline though, and was more interested in seeing what happened to her and making sure she got her happy ending.

Research before watching!

[neenahhh · 4/10 · 26 February 2011]

I went into the movie theater knowing nothing about the storyline, the actors and the directors. I should have done some research. This movie is about two wealthy sisters who are left penniless after an unfortunate incident. As it stated, "it's a Latin spin on Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility'". I thought that it didn't work.

This is definitely a different kind of romantic comedy. It didn't have that same formula that makes romcoms work! The relationships/chemistry between the characters could have been improved. I felt like Belle's acting wasn't at all top-notch. She was like cardboard. Alexa Vega did a wonderful job, on the other hand!

As for the plot, I didn't like the Hispanic twist that they shoved into it. I simply didn't care for it. They should have removed that from the movie, but then again, if they did, they'd be left with a crappy and unnecessary remake of Ang Lee's 'Sense and Sensibility'.

Although this movie may have its good parts and may have appeal to a particular sort of audience, I just wasn't enthralled by it. This movie isn't for everyone. It wasn't for me. If you're on the edge, do some research first. But I say save your money and rewatch the original movie or 'When Harry Met Sally' instead.

Better than you'd think it would be

[fluffchop · 13 September 2011]

This movie has characters all over it, some with ridiculously short skirts and way too high heels. It has elements of a culture completely unrelated to my country, Australia, yet the peoples emotional connections come through clearly. I've known ethnic groups and come from half Italian one myself, enough to be able to recognise the clarity of the writing with respect to the beliefs and customs of these Mexican people living in LA. I have been to LA but didn't go to East LA apart from some fast food stands in Glendale ;) but the murals and artwork, the street appeal of it all is right there in this movie. It's very real and not just pandering to a pc crowd of wannabe humanitarians, it's the real deal. At the same time it's light hearted enough to be a romantic comedy but deep enough to capture some real human emotion. As I said in my title, it's much better than you'd think it will be. Damn girl that dress is short!

The so called top rated reviews are misleading

[minhal92 · 3/10 · 7 September 2011]

If I had one word to describe this movie, I would use the word 'awful' and as far as movies go that's a killer. I find it hard to believe that so many reviewers called this movie beautiful, it was nowhere close, a combination of a bad script and pretty awful acting, especially on the behalf of Alexa Vega the movie turned out to be quite a disappointment. Another thing is that the cover is misleading not that that makes a significant difference. Finding it hard to even fill in 10 lines about this awful movie with this kind of a plot where even the main actors has no morals it seemed, made the most absurd and unbelievable decisions and yet predictable. Worst part of it was the acting, all in all, don't watch it, its a waste of time and money.

my lame attempt at a funny review thanks enjoy!

[jakayoh · 7/10 · 13 March 2012]

okay right off the bat Im like they don't get to drive off in the brand spanking new BMW do they??? Im like if the story is true to the title then that would not happen baby!!! But alas, they did get to so I was like okay then, sell the bloody thing for whatever its worth right? (like 40 g's) put half of it in a long term savings account to collect interest. Then both look for employment living off the 20gs(frugally)all the whilst living in a small bachelors and truly go from rags to riches!!! And yes Im not padding the lines just to make up for the three lines that Im missing. I truly think that it is not an authentic rags to riches but it makes for an interesting story here. Especially valuable is the inherent lesson here: In this materialistic society we live in it's refreshing in my opinion to see an attempt to imbue a sense of moral responsibilities to the younger "I" generation! For example Paris Hilton wannabe's.

Decent

[single_in_in · 7/10 · 24 October 2021]

Not great but decent. I like many of the actors and actresses to begin with so wasn't hard to watch. I didn't like the timeliness we have no sense of time and how long they have been without money and etc ... I felt for the most part it was clean. Other than one sister kind of being a man chaser..

This movies has nothing to do with The Devil Wears Prada!

[n-kefala · 4/10 · 30 April 2011]

Enjoyable romantic comedy which presents with naive way the Mexican culture and addressed primarily at young girls. The leading duo (Alexa Vega, Camilla Belle), although initially unmatched, manages to win our sympathy. However, the plot simple and ordinary, not escape the clichés of similar movies. Somewhere there make their appearance the various moral lessons, Prada mix with the sombreros and the economic crisis with love, but fortunately time passes quickly, and you are indifferent to the superficial approach of emotions and situations.

People say the poverty wants good times and Angel Gracia, at his first feature film, seems to guide this motto and wants to entertain the audience with his light film. Contextually you think you'll see something similar to The Devil Wears Prada, but you will not see anything that reminds this film. Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, rumored that became the basis for the script, but forget the conservative aesthetics of 19th century England as depicted in the eponymous film by Ang Lee and get ready for kitsch and Viva La Mexico!

A warm funny movie

[buzzbruin · 8/10 · 29 January 2011]

I knew very little about this film I liked the title, and so the wife and I went to see it on a lark. I knew none of the actors nor anything about the director and it added to my pleasure because I saw it open-minded and my opinion was not affected by users or media critics, This was a realistic comedy in the rom-com sense. Unlike the usual Rom-Com Hollywood crap (staring jenniferAniston, this had romance but emphasized relationships and family values.It deals with education ambition and obstacles for bettering their lives, Everyone seemed real and life like. I cared a great deal about all of the people involved and what happens to them. Every actor in it were superb. They felt like real people. It had some gentle humor regarding immigrants coming to America and the main start was when 2 young women had to return to the barrio and learn how it is to be part of the working class. I loved it see it!!

Better than I thought

[carsonpayne-66437 · 6/10 · 19 July 2022]

Let's get this straight, 5 minutes into the movie, almost anybody could predict where this story will end up. Which girl gets which guy and the lessons learned are stupidly obvious. That being said, I did think some of the jokes were pretty good and the pace kept me interested. I would say, it is worth agreeing to watch if somebody else suggests it but otherwise, keep scrolling to a better rom-com.

Terrible

[riker-don · 1/10 · 15 June 2019]

One of the worst movies I've seen in a long while. A train wreck I could not turn away from.

i enjoyed it.

[drfarrukhmalik · 22 July 2018]

It has 5.5 IMDB rating. If IMDB rating is your major turn on, you better avoid it. However, if you want to watch a light movie that bounds you for fun, you should hit it. It didn't disappoint me. In fact, I enjoyed me evening through midnight.

A cinematic atrocity

[alison-mah-382-549489 · 1/10 · 29 May 2012]

No exaggeration, this is the worst movie I have ever seen. Where to even start? The plot was haphazard, illogical, and nonsensical. Jane Austen would be absolutely appalled by this piece of sh*t. Others have echoed a similar sentiment, but I'll reiterate: HOW WAS THIS MOVIE EVEN MADE?! I have seen low budget student films with better acting and dialogue, and I have seen some pretty bad student films.

Camilla Belle acted like she was a dead narwhal. As for Alexa Vega, I've seen hookers act better.

If you decide to watch this movie, be prepared for a slow and painful death. I regretted every second of this disaster.

Seriously?

[fmwongmd · 3/10 · 11 December 2018]

This can't be true. Not very funny. Why was it made?

Just okay

[jml1988 · 5/10 · 26 November 2019]

This wasn't horrible but wasn't great. The more spoiled sister was somewhat insufferable and slow to have a positive character growth. I thought it was fun and enjoyable for the sisters to fully experience and enjoy their Spanish heritage and culture.

Romance/drama , like it says is what you'll get

[infinitydevilmachine · 10/10 · 8 May 2011]

I rarely come on IMDb to review movies but after watching this and seeing the poor ratings for this film, I just had to say something. Like the previous reviewer has said, don't let the ratings fool you, if you know what this film is about and do plan on seeing this then except nothing more than a great watch from beginning to end.

The film takes on the subject of spoiled girls living in wealthy-LA and then losing it all and going to live with their relatives on the less "fortunate" side. The Mexican stereotype is kind of overly used, but you start to see they are just a friendly normal neighborhood.

The actors played their parts wonderfully, my personal favorite Camilla Belle did superb. This film inst recommended for everyone but I know most will love it by the time they reach the credits.

Descent portrayal of Multi-cultural Los Angeles finally hits the screens.

[sixto-sicilia · 10/10 · 29 April 2011]

This is a perfect example of excellent multi-cultural writing and production. It was perfectly blended to accurately reflect what a bi-cultural family may look like in the U.S. I should know I come from one.

It was beautifully executed, the cultural aspects and innuendos, such as the string of names when introduced, having a dress made exactly like the one in a magazine........ and the "cleansing" at the hospital, were hilarious and accurate. The latter was executed with grace as to not offend any believer. I just loved it.

Its about time that Hollywood opened up their eyes, to a big part of Los Angeles which is not just the West Side.

Beautifully done, I commend all of you. What was that movie with Jennifer Lopez where she's a maid etc...... too stereotypical with a stereotypical ending. This may have had a Hollywood ending, was it was sooooo realistic in its content. Latin Americans are a fun, hard-working bunch! LOL!

Beautiful

[abieliza · 10/10 · 6 May 2011]

If I could describe this movie in one word, it would be "Beautiful". From Prada To Nada was a beautiful, and modern portrayal of Jane Austen's classic "Sense and Sensibility". I love how the writers molded the story and characters of this English novel into today's modern, Latino culture. It was exceptionally done. My advice is that viewers first associate themselves with Jane Austen's novel, before seeing the Latino version. Doing so will allow the viewer to compare, and appreciate the work of the screenwriters. This movie was touching, funny, charming, sweet, and dramatic all rolled into one.

This movie made me proud to be a Latina.

From Prada to Nada: a (more than you could expect) sophisticated comedy.

[niutta-enrico · 10/10 · 2 May 2016]

Don't let the awful movie's title fool you (just as it fooled me): it's a test. You have to pass the same exam most characters in the present movie had to: acknowledge possible different ways to be bright, smart and beautiful other than our common (american-western-european) way.

Fina Torres, Luis Alfaro and Craig Fernandez (in this exact order, I guess) added a lot of wit to Jane Austen's novel (I assume that you have read 'Sense and Sensibility'), mainly under the form of spicy, meaningful and very good lines.

It's a classic, so I won't comment the plot, I'd just like you to know that this is a very sophisticated comedy and that I would be really surprised if watching it would let you down.