The Runaways (2010) R

Remember Cherie Currie and Joan Jett? I'm guessing most of you do not. I guarantee you've heard a few of their songs over the years, though. This true story takes place in the mid/late 70's. It's very short for a musical biopic, at only 106 minutes. Which for (most) people with short attention spans, will appreciate.

There are three pretty outstanding performances in this film. 2009 Oscar nominee Michael Shannon; nominated for his chilling performance in Revolutionary Road; plays Kim Fowley. A confident, devious, and well-known musician/producer who discovers Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Currie (Dakota Fanning). Shannon, as usual, steals every scene he's in. There's something mesmerizing about his awkward, yet demanding, manner of speech. He tries, but fails, to control these 16-year-old girls.

Stewart (Adventureland, Into the Wild), aside from the dreadful Twilight films, is once again delightful in her role as the infamous Joan Jett. She takes a back seat to Fanning (Man on Fire), however. It's Fanning like you've never seen before, in more ways than one. The film focuses on the drugs, sex, and booze side of the band. Which I thought was interesting because the music is so good in this film.

There really isn't a dull moment in this film but the material just doesn't stack up to films like 'Walk the Line,' or even 'Ray'. It's still worth a rent, i think. The lead performances and the music are worth it. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but you definitely don't need to runaway from this one.
B-

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