Patti lives the New Jersey nightmare. Surrounded by all the reasons she can't be what her dreams tell her, she perseveres, spurred on by her BFF Jheri, a pharmacist by day who envisions himself as a rapper as well, Patti (or "Killer P") pushes for a career in rapping and blows away anyone who watches her. Jasper's stylistic approach to showcasing MacDonald makes us believe in her and her troupe (PBNJ), makes us think they could be the big stars they want to be, that they can escape the Jersey that traps them. Even her romance with the silent and tenderhearted anti-christ/anarchist Basterd (or Bob as his parents call him) is something we can't help but cheer on.
But it is in the smaller more difficult moments that MacDonald really shines. Her difficult, complicated relationship with her damaged mother (played wonderfully by Bridget Everett) is one of the highlights of the movie. Painful yet filled with pathos, this mother and daughter go through the wringer and end up still rockin' on.
Patti Cake$ is that kind of festival film that makes crowds stand up and applaud and keeps us talking, or in this case rapping. Her rhymes are solid and catchy and it's hard not to hum Tuff Love to yourself as you're leaving Patti Cake$ with a big damn smile on your face.
Patti Cake$
Starring: Danielle MacDonald, Bridget Everett, Siddharth Dhananjay, Mamoudou Athie, Cathy Moriarty
Writer/Director: Geremy Jasper
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