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MEN IN BLACK 3 Review
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Set Visit Preview and 4 Awesome New Posters!THE RUNAWAYS Movie Review – Sundance 2010
by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub Posted:January 24th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
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With fantastic performances from Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and Michael Shannon, The Runaways delivered the goods at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Based on the book Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story by Cherie Currie, The Runaways tells the coming-of-age story of the teenage rock band The Runaways and how they came together in the mid 1970′s. Kristen Stewart stars as Joan Jett, Dakota Fanning is Cherie Currie, and Michael Shannon stars as the über-eccentric Kim Fowley – the man who put The Runaways together.
While there was a lot of debate if the film would show a no-holds-barred account of what The Runaways really went through back in the 70′s – like the drug use and the in-band make-out sessions – not only does the film show a warts-and-all look at what happened to the band – at times you’ll feel like you’re watching documentary footage from the era as Stewart and Fanning are really playing and singing in the film, and they both deliver inspired performances. For more of my thoughts on the film, hit the jump:
The first thing to know is if you’re wishing you were at Sundance to see The Runaways, Apparition bought the film and it’ll be released in America on March 19, 2010. So it’s only a short wait.
The movie opens in 1975 Los Angeles. We’re quickly introduced to Joan Jett and Cherie Currie and what they were going through in their lives.
Jett was a loner trying to figure out her look and a way to play guitar when women were considered groupies and not members of a band. At the same time, Cherie Currie was a tenth grader idolizing David Bowie and hanging out in the same local clubs as Jett. When Joan Jett runs into Kim Fowley outside a venue, she pitches the idea of an all girls rock band and after some makeshift rehearsals and band auditions, The Runaways are born.
It’s when the group is forming that we get some awesome scenes of Michael Shannon as Kim Fowley. Also, to help get the group ready for the road and what being a rock star is all about, Fowley makes the girls go through band camp where he teaches them the ropes and delivers some killer dialogue. Remember, at the time, an all girls rock band had never been done and Fowley realizes he might have a huge hit on his hands. Finally after some local parties, the band hits the road and we watch as The Runaways make the big time.
As the journey unfolds, the teenage girls begin to experiment with drugs, their sexuality, and how to survive as a band, which Cherie Currie pushes too far in almost every way.
Again, the performances are fantastic across the board, and Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning really impressed me with their portrayals of these still-living rock stars.
What I really liked about the movie is that it doesn’t take any sides about The Runaways story. Writer/director Floria Sigismondi paints a realistic portrait of Los Angeles in 1975 and what was going on in Joan Jett’s and Cherie Currie’s lives. We get to see how each of them lived and what brought them together. And after they got famous and made it in the record industry, Sigismondi paints a portrait not of judgment or condemnation, but simply as it was. The story has enough ups and downs that she didn’t need to use a heavy hand to tell the story, which some filmmakers might have done.
The other thing to know about the film is that while the movie has a great supporting cast featuring Scout Taylor-Compton (Lita Ford), Alia Skawkat (Robin who is a fictional composite of all the people that played bass in the band), and Stella Maeve (Sandy West), they’re relegated to background players with only a few scenes. Sigismondi focuses on the Jett-Currie-Fowley relationship, and it’s a smart decision that pays off.
Of course what would a review of The Runaways be without some mention of the rumored make out scene between Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning?
Yes, the movie has such a scene, but it’s tastefully done. You never get the feeling that Sigismondi is using either actress more than is necessary to show the two had a night together. But it’ll be very interesting to see what the Twilight fans think of this scene, especially Stewart’s teenage fanbase.
My larger question is what parents are going to do with their kids who want to see Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett? Even though the film doesn’t glorify or condone any questionable action in the movie, you see Kristen Stewart (and Dakota Fanning) doing drugs, kissing girls, and walking around with not much clothing on. The Runaways is an R-rated film that explores a different era and I think depending on the kid, some parents may have to do some actual parenting and say that while Stewart plays Bella Swan and Joan Jett, Bella Swan is nothing like Joan Jett.
Exercise common sense.
Final Thoughts
While some Sundance movies have a lot of buzz before the festival, The Runaways will ride its Sundance momentum into theaters this March and should be able to mint a lot of coin from worldwide audiences. Also, with a killer soundtrack and an honest portrayal of The Runaways, the band should enjoy a bump in sales and a lot of new fans finding their music.
But more than anything, The Runaways is a great movie filled with honest and real performances from its experienced and talented lead actors.
Definitely recommended.
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Related Links
- Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning Video Interview THE RUNAWAYS
- 6 New High Resolution Images from THE RUNAWAYS Starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning
- Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning Sundance Interview THE RUNAWAYS
- 8 New High Resolution Images from THE RUNAWAYS Starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning
- Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning On Set Video Interviews THE RUNAWAYS
I don't recommend Push I have Netflix to thanks for that, as well as me watching Knowing two movies I would have otherwise skipped. But Port of Call New Orleans Bad Lieutenant was a good film with Cage in it as well as Lord of War but I won't push the line by thinking of anymore because I doubt there is.
But I see where everyone comes form in bitching me out for not wanting to see the movie I just shrug and try to say it's my opinion a few movies have ruined my opinion on the actors. I just hope Stewart has hope left after Twilight is done ruining vampires.
And yes Jodie Foster is a talented actor, I will not deny that. I just feel that I wont like the movie I doubt I will even catch it on DVD via Netflix but I might. But I feel the film industry is in need of talent and in 09 we got a lot of that talent, I mean the industry seems to rely less on multi million dollar films and star power to make a movie now. To me that's a step forward, but the point is I still haven't lost 100% hope for Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, they may be the next big stars they are on the rise no doubt but I want them to impress me at their current age. Twilight and Push isn't helping! =P
Thanks for being respectful and understanding instead of rude and immature. I finally feel sane having a mature conversation on here.
Respect,
Spencer
Well i just finished watching this film and throughout the film i had this feeling like someone had remade Oliver Stones – The Doors with girls. Its really a “seen that” type of movie. The story is shallow and I really didnt learn anything about who The Runaways were except alot of lesbian sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Its almost arguable that Lita Ford had just as big of an impact in women in rock as Joan Jett did, yet the only time her character opens her mouth in this films its to bitch.
Kristin Stewart performance didnt really impress me I saw to much of her twilight carry over in this film. Dakota Fanning on the other hand did a terrific job and I really think her performance carried this film. All in all i give it a 5/10. Its a forgettable film and not one to really warrant a longer review.
finally u made a great response..now u have my respect and hopefully others too…by the way i did undestand your point…the way u sait it made people upset in some way..thats all
a few things Allm0st:
1. take an english class, your posts are so hard to read.
2. don't say a film sucks until you've seen it.
3. twilight sucked, everyone knows it, get over it.
I personaly didn´t like war of the worlds, but you are right in some points, yes Daakota is a great actress as well as Kristen, I saw a movie called Speak(liked both the book and the movie) and kristen did amaizing but both actresses have done bad performanses as well and that´s normal, either way tha´s not the main point here, Allm0st does not fell like watching the movie and i don´t feel like that´s a good reason to be disrespectful, Allm0st jus gave an opinion and that opinion should be respected.
Correction: almost claimed Dakota and Kristen “suck” at acting and have no talent.
I couldn't care less if he or you or any other person wants to watch this or any other movie. Why the heck should I care? But when somebody throws out false claims (not up for debate or opinion, by the way) then it's only right that a responsible know-it-all like me corrects the misinformation.
No disrespect. Simply a stranglehold.
Maybe you shouldn't judge it before you have even seen the movie. And if you didn't like the actors why even read the review ? Because you thought it was going to talk shit about them right ?
Yes it's your opinion and not everyone is going to agree and nobody should make anyone like something they don't but that doesn't change the fact that people think your a bitch.
EVERYONE KNOWS TWILIGHT IS SHIT ? I don't think Twilight was shit so WHO THE FUCK IS EVERYONE ? Shut up already.
Your entitled to your opinion but based on your comments people won't agree so if I were you get use it. Your not the only one with opinions in this world so grow up and try to actually hear others.
Twilight sucked. New Moon sucked even harder. Kristen Stewart is a great actress but she dropped the ball in both of them. The books are an embarrassment to English literature, and the screenplays are even worse.
You think I care what people think about me? No. They are all quick to judge me for my opinion and lack of interest in a movie. I defend my opinion and you tell me not to judge it without seeing it, well if you read my posts you will see I haven't judged it at all.
I simply state what I think just like you did. And think what you want about me you don't even really know me. I read reviews all the time but good or not doesn't mean it will shift my interest in the movie.
See I was shocked it got a good review, that's apparently bad, I should suck every films cock and like every film. No thanks.
Ah yes, I should have known you wanted to cut my nuts off and roast them on an open fire for disliking Twilight.I saw Twilight, didn't like it, still don't, never will.
“Yes it's your opinion and not everyone is going to agree and nobody should make anyone like something they don't but that doesn't change the fact that people think your a bitch.”
That's a direct quote from you, now shut up already.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Hypocrite.
Sia [Moderator] 2 hours ago in reply to molly
EVERYONE KNOWS TWILIGHT IS SHIT ? I don't think Twilight was shit so WHO THE FUCK IS EVERYONE ? Shut up already.
See? Hypocrite. And for your information I do listen to opinions, let them say it's great I don't turn around and say no it's not. They are mad at me because I don't want to see the film. I have no interest in it, maybe it's the best movie of 2010 but that will not make me go see it or even rent it. I don't have an interest in the film, that's the only thing people are mad at me about.
I have grown up, far more than you have. I don't rage at people for not liking mt favorite franchise/movies.
Thanks for the review. Can’t wait to see the film.
is this a chat room? : or review…
Are you serious? Do a little research. While there are, indeed, some good reviews, there are MANY MANY MANY bad ones. Here is just one of at least 15 I have discovered. (I have been searching as I am a HUGE Joan Jett fan and was really looking forward to this movie). http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/the-runaway…
However, this just seems like another “let's watch KS bite her lip” disaster.
to almost: you are pathetic and obviously, you have some personal issues with the twilight cast in the “way” you commented.If u don't like it then just simply say u don't like it.Instead u use words such as “shit” and “sucks.” Such words are very strong for someone who have no knowledge at all about the movie and the people behind it. The movie has not even come out yet and you are dissing its “great reviews.”I think u are just an “angry” somebody who likes to put down others simply because u don't like them.
Ha ha ha,Almost,Almost. For a grown up, u sound like a kid. U are the one who “Sucks.” I laugh at you because u got irked by the great reviews received by “The Runaways.” What a pity.
Oh what a wonderful paragraph, I skipped it I just felt like it looked like shit when I caught the “u” in it while scanning it. I also skipped it because it seemed like the typical response one would expect from a twelve year old.
Now suck my cock.
Allmost is EMO!
Everything on the 'net turns into a flamefest when the IQs are below the age. We now return you to people whose parents actually gave them enough attention.
I read Cherie's book years ago; It was an easy read, but the story captivated me back then so I am looking forward to seeing the screen adaptation.
I read the Runaways movie script and felt the same sort of sadness after finishing it as well, so I think even though it leaves out a bunch of stuff that was in the book it tells the story of Jett and Currie well enough.
If any of you have seen the Edgeplay documentary, it too has an air of sadness about it. Many people who see this new movie will get that it was a wild ride for these young women, but I am not sure it will give the whole picture as far as the abuse that went on and the things that these individuals endured during and after their short time in the band. I have a great respect for them.
I have no personal feelings (like nor dislike) for the actors/actresses portraying the main characters of Jett and Currie and Foley. Because the story is of interest to me, I would see it regardless of who was cast.
you have to like the movie for what it is about. I hate Kristen Stewart and her role in Twilight but this movie seems to draw me in despite that. You are shocked to hear good reviews because you have a very one sided view of movies. There's nothing wrong with that, society does not really care about your opinion. Half of the time, moviegoers don't even care about what the critics say about the movie. If they want to watch it, they will no matter if the review is just down right nasty.
Blah, blah, references the same six films again …. blah, blah, mentions Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning in War of the Worlds … blah, blah, gets all excited when someone calls him “friend” on the comments below a movie review … blah, blah, uses the word touché like a douché … blah, blah, my freedom of speech to be a moron … blah, blah, blah.
Repeat.
Blah, blah, references the same six films again …. blah, blah, mentions Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning in War of the Worlds … blah, blah, gets all excited when someone calls him “friend” on the comments below a movie review … blah, blah, uses the word touché like a douché … blah, blah, my freedom of speech to be a moron … blah, blah, blah.
Repeat.
I saw this when it opened at Sundance. It sucked! it’s a total music video cliche of any other movie about rock n roll. The rest of the band totally does not exist in this story at all. The drummer has no dialog. Lita Ford’s character is reduces to the “the bitchy one” and the drummer is about as fun as a box of rocks.
I saw this when it opened at Sundance. It sucked! it’s a total music video cliche of any other movie about rock n roll. The rest of the band totally does not exist in this story at all. The drummer has no dialog. Lita Ford’s character is reduces to the “the bitchy one” and the drummer is about as fun as a box of rocks.
This is a BS version of truth,
SANDY WEST was the Founder Not Joan Jett,
who had to ride the Bus to SANDY WEST's House to auditition in Hunington Beach,
this Story is for the believers in the Tooth fairy Not THE REAL WOMEN OF ROCK & ROLL who Changed the world,
ask Lita How she feels about this Movie?
Thanks for showing the RUNAWAYS as groundbreaking But….EDGEPLAY is A REAL MOVIE
(Joan did not take part in That Movie)
this cartoon network stuff is Joan's Influence on the Movie!!!.
F- rating
Audience of Teenage Runaways Invited to “The Runaways” Premiere, Most Disappear Before Film’s End
HOLLYWOOD—Last week, in front of an audience mostly made up of teenage runaways, the film, “The Runaways,” based on the short-lived band of the same name, premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Sadly, most of those teenage runaways disappeared before the film’s end, not letting anyone know where they were going or if they… »
READ MORE at theumpteenthtimes.com/?p=2076
“Music News That’s Fit to Fake”
Audience of Teenage Runaways Invited to “The Runaways” Premiere, Most Disappear Before Film’s End
HOLLYWOOD—Last week, in front of an audience mostly made up of teenage runaways, the film, “The Runaways,” based on the short-lived band of the same name, premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Sadly, most of those teenage runaways disappeared before the film’s end, not letting anyone know where they were going or if they… »
READ MORE at theumpteenthtimes.com/?p=2076
“Music News That’s Fit to Fake”
I saw the movie 4/14/10 and it sucked. What a waste of 9 dollars. The hype for this movie is so lame.This movie should have been called the Cherie Currie and Joan Jett story. It did NOT tell the story of the other band members. They were treated like they were part of the background. Why did they title the movie “the Runaways” when it just focused on two people? It's not fair and doesn't make any sense.
This movie was so bad. It's all fluff. I was waiting for something to happen and it didn't. Dakota Fanning looked hella awkward and I never did liked Kristen Stewart's acting, she's boring, doesn't have a screen presence and it shows here. Kristen had the look down pat but that was it. I wouldn't have minded if the movie was 3 hours long if we got to know the stories of the other band members but no, we got all Cherie Currie for two hours. I couldn't figure out why she was featured so much when she was just the singer, after all, Joan was the lyricist. It wasn't until the credits were rolling when I found out the movie was based of Currie's biography. No wonder this movie was so one sided! You would think with Jett's input, the story would be fleshed out more, but no. We get the big buildup only to get let down.
Save your cash. Wait for this to come out on Netflix. You'll be glad you did.
I saw the movie 4/14/10 and it sucked. What a waste of 9 dollars. The hype for this movie is so lame.This movie should have been called the Cherie Currie and Joan Jett story. It did NOT tell the story of the other band members. They were treated like they were part of the background. Why did they title the movie “the Runaways” when it just focused on two people? It's not fair and doesn't make any sense.
This movie was so bad. It's all fluff. I was waiting for something to happen and it didn't. Dakota Fanning looked hella awkward and I never did liked Kristen Stewart's acting, she's boring, doesn't have a screen presence and it shows here. Kristen had the look down pat but that was it. I wouldn't have minded if the movie was 3 hours long if we got to know the stories of the other band members but no, we got all Cherie Currie for two hours. I couldn't figure out why she was featured so much when she was just the singer, after all, Joan was the lyricist. It wasn't until the credits were rolling when I found out the movie was based of Currie's biography. No wonder this movie was so one sided! You would think with Jett's input, the story would be fleshed out more, but no. We get the big buildup only to get let down.
Save your cash. Wait for this to come out on Netflix. You'll be glad you did.
very well said!!!
i hope this opens up the door to a new generation of Joan Jett fans, she has kept recording & touring throughout her post Runaways career; probably the last real female rock n roller; who doesn't rely too much on video clips or gossip columns to sell her stuff!
Best of all, no artificial computer programmed rubbish – ALL REAL!!!
I really hope you don’t flame out on me for saying this BUT: Yeah, i totally agree that the movie trailer looked hella dumb. But the movie blew me away. And yeah i didn’t like Kristen Stewart or Dakota Fanning but they were really great and powerful in the movie. So please, ignore the trailer and see the movie. I really say everyone should give it a chance.
I’m not here to flame never was. I stated my opinion and defended it strongly. You have your own taste in movies why judge for that? I just got upset at the kids on here telling me I “judged a movie”.
I’m glad you enjoyed the movie my whole thing was just surprised it got a good review because I thought it didn’t look that good. That’s all that started the flame war and you agree it doesn’t look good yet you enjoyed it. That’s good to know.
Wow you guys need to stop arguing about something 100% un-related to this..this..work of art. I'll admit, absolutely HATE Twilight and was hesitant to watch a movie with Kristen Stewart in it but i'm glad i ended up watching The Runaways. Twilight is in no way a portrayal of Stewart's talent in acting and i hope more people give it a chance. Dakota Fanning was good too, but she wasn't as powerful and spot-on as Kristen. Hell that movie made me wish more than anything to be a teen in the 70s. Definitely one of my new favorites. 9/10
this is an amazing movie and the actors are brilliant….
This movie, I’ve been waiting for a long time to see it and have come to the conclusion it’s a great disappointment. Too short, everything happened way to quickly, not entertaining to watch just boring, Bad acting, Dakota Fanning was the WRONG person to play in this movie let alone play Cherie Currie. Seriously, don’t bother watching it, I’ll tell you what happens from start to end.
“See that guy, right there? He’s a producer.” *goes over* “Hi I’m Joan Jett” “Hi Joan Jett, this is blah blah you can become a band with her” *goes to a nightclub to find a singer “Hey you look good, you’re in a band now” play a few crappy little gigs with hardly anyone there, “Ah! we got signed!” *has one real gig in Japan*. I’m guessing 2 -3 scenes after Lita kicks up a stink at Cherie, Joan Jett tells her to stfu, Cherie Walks out, the band brakes up. Maybe 2 scenes after Joan comes up with ” I love rock’n'roll” gets huge again. There’s your movie.
what lameos…………………
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