Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mildly charming romcom from Mexico gets a bit racy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A La Mala
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Maria Laura Medina (Aislinn Derbez), who's called "Mala" (or "cruel") by her friends, is an aspiring actress, often losing roles after criticizing them during auditions. Her best friend/roommate, Kika (Papile Aurora), asks Mala to use her feminine wiles to determine whether Kika's boyfriend is faithful, paying her for the job. Word gets out, and Mala starts earning money from other women who want their own men "tested." But trouble comes when one of her targets turns out to be a producer she previously tangled with on an audition. She begins to see his good side and eventually falls in love with him. Unfortunately, if Mala bungles this task, she'll lose her first good acting job in the process.
Is It Any Good?
The Mexican romantic comedy A LA MALA is entirely conventional, and if it had been made in English, it likely would have been a waste of time. But perhaps because it's in Spanish, or perhaps because of Derbez' charisma, it generates enough charm and goodwill -- if not exactly laughs -- to ride pleasantly off into the sunset. The cliches start with the use of a goofy "sidekick," as well as the presence of a blandly handsome leading man (who doesn't generate much heat with his lovely lady -- the movie is far less sexy than it could have been). And it all quickly degenerates into a standard "lie" plot.
But Derbez generates intelligence and dignity in her role; Mala fights for a role worthy of her acting talents, rather than taking insultingly shallow or sexist parts. She's savvy in the ways of seduction but appealingly clueless when it comes to romance. Director Pedro Pablo Ibarra lets the movie run on a bit long, but at least he fills it with lovely, swoon-inducing music and scenery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about A La Mala's attitude toward sex. Does it seem positive or negative? What lessons do the characters learn around sex? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How does the movie deal with stereotypes? Does it question them or reinforce them?
Characters seem to drink a lot without very many consequences. Is that realistic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 27, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : August 4, 2015
- Cast : Aislinn Derbez , Mauricio Ochmann , Papile Aurora
- Director : Pedro Pablo Ibarra
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality/nudity and language
- Last updated : July 3, 2022
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