Fairly pedestrian narrative, great performances

Rating: 7/10 (16 June 2010)

OK, so the Twilight films aren't exactly masterpieces, and the second isn't really even good, but only the most churlish will deny that Kristen Stewart carries them pretty well. And again here we see just how strong her acting bone might actually be. There are a few people throughout the history of popular culture who just ooze cool, and for me Joan Jett is one of those people. Kristen Stewart captures her presence and her charisma beautifully. And then of course there's Dakota Fanning. Much touted for her acting ability since I Am Sam, but hasn't really made the type of film since in which she can truly show off her acting chops. Here she does it. As Cherie Currie she captures the plight of the exploited young woman brilliantly, at first going along for the ride, then active participation in her own exploitation, and finally the crash. These two performances really do carry this film. The narrative is fairly predictable and without the strengths of these two actresses would be in danger of being relatively uninteresting. We've all seen the sex, drugs, rock n roll film before and this doesn't really say or do anything new. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning make it worth the watch, and Michael Shannon is also very good as sleaze radiating arse-clown Kim Fowley. I recommend, just don't expect to learn anything or be hit with profound ham.