Entertaining, but overall disappointing.

Rating: 4/10 (22 February 2011)

Let me start by saying that I was in my early 20's when the Runaways first came on the music scene back in the mid 70's. I've enjoyed their music all these years and as a fan have always wanted to know their story. There are two movies about the Runaways, this movie "The Runaways" and a documentary called "Edgeplay - A Film About The Runaways" from 2004. Unfortunately, neither film was made with the support and cooperation of all of the band members. This film was produced by Joan Jett and is focused on her and Cheri Curry. Lita Ford and Jackie Fox didn't get on board, so in my opinion a huge part of the story isn't being told. The bio Edgeplay has the same type problem, Joan Jett didn't get on board with that project, so again, a huge part of the story is missing. The bottom line for me then is this, was the moving entertaining and worth watching. I'd say yes with some reservations. First of all this isn't a documentary by any means. A movie based on true events maybe? Well, based on Joan Jetts and Cheri Curries rendition of events that they chose to portray. I believe Joan's ego got squarely in the way of how things really were back then. Perhaps why all the members didn't participate? Also, I wasn't really impressed with Dakota Fanning's performance. I couldn't quite buy into her character portrayal. I just kept seeing Dakota, not Cherie and this was quite distracting. Maybe someday, someone will make the truly definitive biography of the band with all the legal squabbles left behind, but I doubt it. So watch both films, and you'll be getting the best representation possible of what the Runaways were and went through all those years ago. One thing is for sure, the music was great back then and still is today.