THE RUNAWAYS

Rated R

DIRECTOR: Floria Sigismondi
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning
WRITTEN BY: Floria Sigismondi
(Based on the book 'Neon Angel' by: Cherie Currie)


CRITICAL SCORE: 7 / 10

BULLET POINTS: 8 / 10

PLOT

A coming-of-age biopic about the pioneering 70's teenage all girls rock band, The Runaways; specifically centered around Cherie Currie and Joan Jett.

TRAILER TRASH

Last year I happened on a little gem of a film from 1980 called FOXES which starred a teenage Jodie Foster.  Foster is, of course, good in FOXES, however the breakout performance came from someone I had never heard of; Cherie Currie.  So engaging was Cherie in the film, I was compelled to learn more about her and thus read all about her past in the jailbait supergroup, The Runaways.  Literally a week later, news that a film based on Cherie's book 'Neon Angel' had been cast and it would star the incomparable Dakota Fanning as Cherie.  I was skeptical whether the first time director, Floria Sigismondi, could deliver a film that did justice to The Runaways legacy and to Cherie's life. From everything I had read about the production and from Sigismondi herself, I knew this was going to be a film made with a ton of passion and respect for the source.  That combined with great casting meant I was pulling for this flick to live up to its inspiration.  So, was THE RUNAWAYS a homely prude, or was it 'the girl next door, the fox I'd been waiting for?'...

LOCK AND LOAD

This film is all about women.  I don't mean women the way us men see them through our testosterone filter. This isn't a hairy armpit feminist bra burning man-hating preachy girl power film.  There is no heavy-handed agenda on display.  The bullshit parameters placed on women in the film's time period combined with how The Runaways overcome and/or fail against the odds, drugs and sexism that plagued (still does) the rock scene is shown rather objectively, which is refreshing.  THE RUNAWAYS clearly showcases how this touted "Jail-bait Rock Group" willfully participates in taking advantage of perpetuating the mythos concerning "what men really want" and giving the middle-finger to "their place is society", along with some hella-solid tunes and how that earned them success.  The disappointing and unfortunate experiences with men in their families and social lives and how this has shaped their view of men is apparent, but by no means makes these characters hateful.  THE RUNAWAYS simply shows Cherie's and Joan's experiences without preaching and that in itself is what makes this movie and band compelling.  That, and the fact that Fowley and The Runaways purposefully used sexism as a tool for success and a weapon against the ignorant is fucking awesome.

The very first shot of THE RUNAWAYS is poetically abrasive and is one of those rare openings that really sums up a hell of a lot about one of the major themes this film tackles.  I'm not going to give it away.  Just recognize that it is awesome and if you don't think so, you are probably a moron.  The direction of Sigismondi is largely felt in the performances of the actors as well as the tactful treatment of the subject matter.  Kudos Floria.  The cinematography, design and costuming work beautifully in tangent to really transport you into the time period.  Fanning, Stewart and Shannon do an exceptional job at bringing the essence of these people to the screen.

PICKING BONES

The script is predictable and keeps the movie from greatness.  There were certainly some issues brought up in the film that weren't explored deep enough and some that were barely explored at all; one of these being the sexual relationship between Cherie and Joan.  There are some subtle hints here and there that lead us into the scene that the pervos, no doubt, love, but that's not what I'm talking about.  The sex scene is handled with class, probably only achievable by a woman director, especially Sigismondi.  I wanted more substance in the script, either before and/or after the act, so that the exploration of these 2 characters affinity for, and competitive spirit with, one another creates enough tumultuousness to strike a chord.  I wanted more dynamics and dichotomy in Currie and Jett's relationship and the script doesn't achieve that or give the audience those opportunities.

Some of the supporting cast just doesn't connect.  Not enough time is spent with all of The Runaways, together, as a group.

There are people that think that this movie is inappropriate.  I don't think it was inappropriate enough.  The tone of the film keeps it's target audience in mind and I can't necessarily fault it for that.  But, for me it lacked a rawness necessary in relating the seedy and gritty reality The Runaways lived through.  By glossing some things over, the impact is lost.

BREAKING BONES

Sigismondi's previous experience directing music videos comes in quite handy, giving THE RUNAWAYS great pacing, a wonderful vintage / modern look and the ability to take the audience into the hazy disjointed feel and surreality of the drug user.

Fanning is fearless in her portrayal of Currie and brings an electricity to every scene she's in.  The actress perfectly captures her character in every way, from physicality to essence.  Also, her perfect recreation of the famous show The Runaways play in Japan is not only awesome, it's creepy accurate. Ch,Ch,Ch,Ch,Cherry Bomb!

Dear Kristen Stewart haters - Pull your head out of your ass.  The girl is not her TWILIGHT character. Go watch THE CAKE EATERS and tell me that Kristen Stewart isn't dynamic and doesn't have some serious acting chops and I won't tell you to slather yourself in gasoline and play with matches.  Bottom line - Stewart is Joan Jett, with all her spirit and nuance, pulling off an awesome performance.  If you think that this is an easy task, you clearly know 2 things about acting: Jack and Shit.

Michael Shannon, you are a badass... once again.  Perverted, inspiring, maniacal, oogey and brilliant isn't an easy combination to pull off and Shannon's intense portrayal of Kim Fowley brings that to the table and serves that bitch a 5 course meal.

SPLATTER FACTOR

Remember that first shot in the film I alluded to... heheheheheh.

THE KILLSHOT

I don't know if THE RUNAWAYS necessarily 'had me and grabbed me til I was sore' but it certainly put in the effort.  Yes, the script is pretty mediocre and predictable.  ALMOST FAMOUS this isn't.  Fact is, I was thoroughly entertained and Sigismondi rocked it out for a first time director.  The performances are spot on compelling and Fanning, Stewart and Shannon go above and beyond a simple skin deep interpretation of their real-life counter parts and turn in brilliant performances in their respective roles. These 3 actors breathe life into their characters and transcend THE RUNAWAYS bland script.  This movie is a bit more style than substance at times, but that kind of epitomizes the band, The Runaways, themselves.  It's sex, drugs and rock n' roll, baby, and it's from the feminine perspective.  How can you not dig that?  I suppose if you're easily offended or think women should "know their place", you will not like this flick.  Of course, if you think that, I would consider relocating to another planet.  I would also consider you an asshole.  In my book, there's nothing sexier than an independent and passionate woman who isn't afraid to go after what she wants and THE RUNAWAYS oozes that essence from every frame.