Reviewed by Kate Rodger
The Runaways is the story of original rock chick Joan Jett before she hit the big time, when as a teenager, she was part of a band called The Runaways.
Taking a break from vampires for a bit, Kristen Stewart gets her leathers on for a crack at a young Joan Jett.
It's 1975, she's a rebellious teenager with an electric guitar and determined to be in an all-girl rock band.
She hooks up with crazed manager Kim Fowley, played superbly by the always brilliant Michael Shannon, who haphazardously and with dubious intent, guides her into the rock'n'roll life she craves.
This is where Dakota Fanning enters the picture, as lead singer Cherie Curry. Shannon recruits her as front woman "jailbait", and The Runaways is on a sudden meteoric rise to the big time.
The usual pitfalls of sudden fame impact very differently on our two rock chicks. Cherie becomes a slave to drugs and loses her way, Jett is the opposite, still ultimately driven by her music.
While I am not a Twilight fan, I am a fan of Kristin Stewart and have been since Panic Room. She makes for a great Joan Jett. In fact both Stewart and Dakota Fanning do all their own singing here.
Both these young actresses deliver the nuances their characters require, and the all-encompassing tone and mood of the film is a perfect fit for this time and space.
This first time feature director was a photographer and directed music videos, which really shows on screen - a case of a writer/director being perfectly matched with the material.
Three and a half stars.
The Runaways
:: Director: Floria Sigismondi
:: Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and Michael Shannon
:: Running Time: 105 mins
:: Rating: R16 – drug use, sex scenes and offensive language
:: Release Date: September 9, 2010
:: Trailer: Watch here
