Unique take on an old story has a strong cast, but the humour falls flat frequently.
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.
This film takes a comedy/drama approach to the plot - the dramatic elements succeed. The performers, especially Danielle Macdonald, Bridget Everett and Mamoudou Athie excel in the dramatic scenes. The cast have a strong rapport and even their musically abilities are good (not great). The humour, however, is a disaster. None of the jokes land - Siddharth Dhananjay seems to be a strong comic performer, but his material is weak. I would be excited to see him in a future comedy (this is his first credit).
The cinematography is unusual and eye-catching, as is the sound mixing. The script needed a re-write, but untimely has some redeeming elements. However, it’s not quite what the buzz hyped it up to be.
Overall a film predominantly let down by its script.
2.5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of 20th Century Fox