Amazing acting & 70's Nostalgia

Rating: 10/10 (27 November 2011)

Our Dear Hannah Dakota Fanning, When I first learned you were going to sing in a rock and roll band, I thought "Awesome!". I can't help but think Britt's love of music and her compassionate roles of troubled girls influenced you to take on this formidable project based on the book "Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway" by Cherie Currie, whose character you so brilliantly depict. (i.e.: Brittany Murphy formed her own band in the 1990's, she had rock and roll parents and clashes with young Dakota(2003) who is into classical music in the magical "Uptown Girls" - The Special Edition DVD is a must have! - plus Britt is in "8 Mile" and "Tom Petty". ) Yes Kota, I remember your much acclaimed depiction of a troubled girl influenced by the music of Elvis Presley in "Hounddog" (2007).
I think it's neat you are friends with Kristen Stewart, just 4 years older than you. Both of you were in "New Moon" (2009) and as the ambitious guitarist/songwriter Joan Jett in "The Runaways"., (a ground breaking, all girl mid-1970's band) the two of you bond very close as you as Cherie become a bona-fide rock goddess.. So close the two of you feel secure enough to engage in experimental sex with each other. (Edgeplay, a 2004 tell all expose by actual band members gives us a lot more details on the Runaways.)
The other members of the band have their moments. Michael Shannon as Kim Fowley is a raw, propelling energy whom pushes you girls beyond your comfort zone to be sexy and tough. He redeems himself by getting the Runaways a record deal.
I think you do an admirable job of capturing the conflicts Cherie experienced, especially about her home life Your acting is natural, unforced and intense. You rarely show your beautiful smile in this bioptic. I loved it when you did flash it. You mesmerize us with your eyes. Your dramatic acting reminded me of Natalie Wood in "Inside Daisy Clover" (1965) Kudos to Kristen also whom showed great talent in her riveting portrayal of her character.. Both of you sing well (there is no lip syncing in the "Runaways")and move well on stage.
I think you are living up to the expectations of your friend Britt, whom has graced our life during our lifetime and is considered to be one of the greatest talents of her generation. I look forward to reading your memoir our dear Kota.
Our Dear Kristen Stewart, Well, to begin with, you totally convinced me you are a very talented "wild one". Michael Shannon as Kim Fowley really is the luckiest "dog (whatever)" to star in this biopic with Dakota Fanning and you and help you as Joan Jett put together The Runaways - a ground breaking first all girl rock n roll mid-1970's band that got signed and came out with albums - The Runaways, The Runaways Queens of Noise and Live in Japan.
I simply adored your exuberant energy on and off the stage. I love the way you bonded with Dakota as Cherie Currie as you two meet in the club and hang out together after her audition to be the band's lead singer. You joyfully jumped up and down in one scene while walking with Kota.
I love the way you try and protect Kota from Fowley and try and keep the band together as she is aggressively promoted as the Rock Goddess. The love between Joan and Cherie was a lot deeper than the kissing and experimental sex they engaged in together while on the road. Another sign you two were very close is when Cherie faints just after you jump in her face about promoting her crotch instead of the music. I got totally upset seeing Kota bummed out in the shower and then falling down just outside the elevator. I really gasped! It was adorable when you got in bed with her at the hospital.
I emotionally squirmed as you became enraged and turn on Fowley when Cherie finally walks out on the band in the middle of a recording session. I was touched by your pain as you confront Cherie in the hallway as she walks out. I had the feeling that since Cherie came from an acting family that she felt compelled to get the acting bug out of her system. Of course, she was very troubled about her family and addicted to drugs by this time.
I loved the way you put together "Love is Pain" while soaking in the tub. I had the feeling "Love is Pain" and "Crimson & Clover" reflected the love you two had for each other. You work through this pain and throw everyone in your place out and go about your music and eventually form Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Dakota and you both gave strong, dramatic performances as well as the rest of the band. Stella Maeve was adorable as Sandy West - the most talented drummer of her time. The other band members had their moments on the stage and in the recording room. I loved the beautiful smiles you girls flashed through out the movie.
The director kept up the pace and gave us 70's nostalgia with the music and clothing. I recommend to everyone the DVD for the commentary(which includes Joan Jett along with Kris & Kota) and the extra features on The Runaways. (Plus there is a preview of Kris in "Welcome to the Rileys")(2010).