Killa P. 

 "Patti Cake$" is the feature length directorial debut from Geremy Jasper. Jasper also makes his screenplay debut with this flick. The film introduces Danielle MacDonald in the leading role. Bridget Everett (Inside Amy Schumer, Lady Dynamite), Mamoudou Athie (The Get Down) and Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull, Casper) co-star. "PATTI CAKE$ is centered on aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$, who is fighting an unlikely quest for glory in her downtrodden hometown in New Jersey". The title character defies stereotypes, will Patti Cake$ be more than just a formulaic success story?

I didn't think I was going to get to see "Patti Cake$" but fortunately a plan fell in place which made the screening possible. I'll be honest, I think this is going to be one for an acquired taste. The person I went with did not enjoy the film at all and a group of four people walked out midway. This is definitely an 'indie' film that does not have much mainstream appeal at all. However, none of that is a bad thing. It only emphasises how different this film is. I would say unique but it is quite formulaic and predictable. There's a lot to love though which redeems the film's flaws. Kind of like rap music- it's not going to be for everyone but will really impress some people. 

The story isn't weak, it just moves in the exact direction you would expect. However, the route "Patti Cake$" takes is the one you want it to. If a success story suddenly turned into a 'almost made it'/'give up' story, the film would lose its uplifting feel and likability factor. Imagine films like "Pitch Perfect" but on a much smaller scale and in the rap genre and you have "Patti Cake$". There's the 'rap off' scene, the 'you're not good enough scene', the lead character doesn't have many people supporting her and the climax is the typical 'the musician pulls it out of the bag with their best performance yet' scene. "Patti Cake$" follows all of the codes and conventions for this type of film. The pacing is spot-on. The film never felt dull and I was never bored. The writing was good enough for me to get behind the lead character and want to follow her story. I was very interested and hopeful for where Patti would end up. That is one thing the screenplay certainly gets right, the character development. Patti is an extremely well realised character- this could have been a documentary, she felt that real. Jasper should be praised for showing skill in both the directing and writing department. He's put together a very solid little film that has a punch. What a great debut! 

What did aid "Patti Cake$" in standing out from the crowd were the creative choices that were made in terms of who the actual characters were. The plot may be conventional but an unexpected group of people are thrown into the formula. Patti is a larger, white female American- definitely not the stereotypical rapper. This opened opportunities for the film to explore the struggles of people in the rap community who do not fit the typical mould. From the way the story played out and MacDonald's performance, I really empathised with what Patti was going through and sympathised with her when she was bullied and harassed because of her appearance. This made the pay-off all the more satisfying when the others put aside their preconceptions and prejudices and appreciated Patti for her talent. Patti also represents a real life, working-to-lower class person. Her family have financial issues, there's no father figure in her life- Patti literally makes something out of nothing.  The relationship between Patti and her mother, Barb was also interesting. I think that this is a good example of a mother/daughter relationship being explored well. The two don't really get along but they're both always there for each other. Some ideas are presented about mothers being jealous of their succeeding daughters. The exploration of this relationship also reaches its climax with the final song which was pretty beautiful. The characters of Jheri and Basterd are also unconventional. Both of these characters are faced with their own challenges that are also based on prejudice. What I liked most about the film was seeing a group of people who aren't usually associated with rap have passion for it and succeed. The film didn't feel like it simply put these unconventional characters in there for the sake of being unconventional. There was a story that Jasper wanted to tell. The message is that no matter who you are, you can do whatever you are passionate about...and succeed. That's an important message. 

This is the 'indie' version of a musical. In comparison to films like "Pitch Perfect'","'Hairspray" and even "La La Land", "Patti Cake$" is very low-key. Similar to how "Logan Lucky" is much more low-key in comparison to mainstream heist films. However, all of the music is well produced, it certainly does not feel like it's made and written by an amateur. In a way, this isn't the typical musical as music is literally tied into the story. This film could not be told without music whereas the other musicals I mentioned could probably get away with it (minus "Pitch Perfect"). My favourite song, that has actually made it to my playlist, is 'Tuff Love'. I think that's down to it being arguably the best song in the film but also one of the best scenes in the film. It was the moment everybody was waiting for. Jasper directs the film in quite a unique way. There are lots of close ups and shaky cam which add to the raw, gritty and realistic feel of the film. "Patti Cake$" showcases real life struggles for not only women in rap but for people getting into the entertainment industry in general. It's passion, dedication and drive that is going to get you some where. There are some bizarre moments in "Patti Cake$" that are very music-video like. For example, a cut to Patti singing around fish looking like a mermaid. After some research, I found that Jasper actually has experience in directing music videos, he actually directed Selena Gomez's visually stunning "Love You Like a Love Song" video.  This explains why Jasper was drawn to creating this project and why he excels in this genre. 

The performances in this film also elevate it from being a forgettable, generic music film. Danielle MacDonald is a discovery. I know she's worked before but I believe this is her biggest role to date and she does a fabulous job. As I've already mentioned, I really felt like I could read her mind, she was so easy to relate and empathise with. MacDonald also proves to be multi-talented - great acting chops, a good rapper and comedic potential. If I was a Hollywood executive, I would be trying my best to snap MacDonald up. Her performance was that great that if the film had a bigger profile, it was go down as career defining and possibly awards worthy. Bridget Everett takes quite a serious turn in "Patti Cake$" and she excels. I've only seen her do funny so it was refreshing and impressive to see her switch genres and still be great. Her performance reminded me a lot of Laura Dern in "Wild", I'm not too sure why. However, I really believed the chemistry and dynamics between Everett and MacDonald. Cathy Moriarty is probably the biggest name attached to the film and she finds herself in a role that lots of older actresses are being typecast in these days. Nevertheless, she doesn't waste her talent and gives a good performance. Mamoudou Athie was quite wooden but I think that was mainly down to the traits of his character rather than his acting ability. Despite not saying much or giving much emotion, I was still convinced by the relationship between him and MacDonald. Finally, Siddharth Dhananjay. He's definitely the least experienced of the bunch (he literally has no other projects listed on IMDb) and unfortunately, it does show. That doesn't mean he's bad. In fact, I see a good future for him in film but I found him the least personable and fluid. 

Finally, the negatives. Until now, this has been a pretty glowing review. I don't want to spend much time talking badly about "Patti Cake$" but there are some things that make it far from perfect. Firstly, it does have quite a niche and out there feel, some would call silly. The film often borderlines being quite stupid and laughable. Thankfully, it brings it back before it goes overboard. There were some scenes towards the beginning that were not great at all. I was almost cringing in hope that things would get better. Luckily, they did. I can't quite pick out what's specifically wrong with the film, I just think some of the stylistic choices don't fit naturally and the film could have done with being slightly louder and prouder as it gives off a great message. 

"Patti Cake$" is a niche, indie film that nobody has to see. However, if you're into rap music, strong female characters, defying stereotypes or feel good films, it is worth your time 1000%. You'll get a kick out of it. There's funny moments and touching moments. The character realisation is well done, especially with the title character. The music is good and despite the story being generic, it goes exactly in the direction you would want it to. The style will be a little too out there for some with some admittedly stupid and bizarre moments. MacDonald gives it her all and it would be a star turn if this finds a big audience. Until then, MacDonald will gain a cult following and hopefully rise into stardom. If I was a record label, I would sign "Patti Cake$", the film shows potential- from everybody involved. 

69

/100

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