Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning prove the the doubters wrong in this fascinating biopic.

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2011)

Credit IMDb.
In 1975, San Fernando Valley teen Joan Larkin reinvents herself as Joan Jett, a guitarist who wants to form an all-girl punk band. She pitches the idea to a sleazy manager, Kim Fowley, who pairs her with a drummer and then searches for a face: he finds Cherie Currie, at 15 the perfect jailbait image for his purpose; by luck, she can sing. Two others round out the band, "The Runaways." Fowley books a tour, signs them to Mercury Records, and packs them off to crowds in Japan. Seeds of conflict sprout early: Fowley puts Cherie front and center in the publicity, she's soon strung out on pills and vodka, and jealousies arise. Without adult supervision, where can Joan and Cherie end up?
Even though I have a huge crush on Kristen and think she's a tremendous talent, I didn't have much hope for this movie. Joan Jett was such a dynamic individual, a one of a kind, and the fact that Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning were slated to play Joan and Cherrie worried me. Luckily the two were up to the task. The story was very engrossing, and I loved how it unfolded. This a prime example of how you should do a Biography.
Performances. Kristen Stewart does her own variation of Joan Jett and I was utterly engaged by it. As I said, I am a big fan of hers, but I questioned the casting decision, wondering if she had been miscast. Turns out I was pleasantly wrong, and she delivered a great performance. She looks great with the Rocker hair too. Dakota Fanning also delivered a great show as Cherrie. She's clearly growing up, and if what I saw is a testament to the future, the future holds bright things for her. Michael Shannon steals every scene he's in with his performance. He was awesome. Scout Taylor-Compton's role isn't as big as Kristen's and Dakota's, but she did fine as Lita Ford.
Bottom line. The Runaways is a great movie, it's as simple as that. To the point, engaging, and an in depth look at The Runaways. See it
8 ½ 10