Review of Patti Cake$ (2017) by Farah R — 08 Sep 2018

I've got to be honest, this wouldn't be the kind of movie that I'd usually go for. I'm really not a fan of rap music and the cutesy write-ups this film had got would normally make me move on.

However, being with a couple of friends who wanted to watch it, I settled down and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's a fairly predictable underdog story of an unlikely heroine who battles against the odds to make a bid for fame and fortune.

Danielle MacDonald is spellbinding as Patti, the New Jersey wannabe rapper who gathers round her an unlikely crew to enter a local open mic competition. Patti has little going for her, she's in a dead-end job, has a disillusioned and alcoholic mother, lives in the wrong part of town, is overweight and a woman in the masculine world of rap.

Yet, despite the knockmbacks and misogyny she faces, she stands her ground and pulls through. It's true there are few surprises in the way that the plot unfolds but as a feel good, rags-to-riches tale, Patti Cake$ is a real delight.