The Runaways

Rating: 6/10 (13 April 2010)

What I liked about The Runaways: The music The ladies
What I didn't like about The Runaways: There wasn't enough story there Not a good timeline of events Didn't flesh out the characters- not even Jett or Currie who were the main focus Never really had a moment
I recently saw The Runaways, and here's what I thought:
It's not bad but not great either. I kept waiting for a moment that never came, which is not to say there aren't neat things about this bio pic. It certainly garners interest in the music and the ladies themselves, but it didn't satisfy me. It just sort of whet my appetitite, which may have been the point. The Runaways were short lived and saw much of their success overseas, but it also consisted of five kick ass, talented woman. The movie chooses to focus on two- Jett and Currie (and moreso on the latter).
Acting-wise, there are some pretty interesting performances. I say interesting because I think Kirsten Stewart functions better as a supporting player than an actual lead. When I think of all the things I've liked her in (Into the Wild, In the Land of Women), she hasn't been the lead. Dakota Fanning finally successfully sheds her little girl image with the role of Currie (unlike her finger licking role in The Secret Life of Bees). I think she made an excellent lead and was at times on the cusp of greatness but never quite delivered, which is why I don't foresee a nom. This could've been due to unfamiliarity with that particular lifestyle or the somewhat "underdevelopedness" (if that's a word) of the entire pic. Still, it's engaging, and I never felt bored albeit unsatisfied with the ending. The band's breakup for me seemed to have come out of nowhere.
The director is as provocative as the women she brings to life on film. The shot she chooses to open the film with sets the tone perfectly. The era seems authentic, and the mixture of bright, dingy colors create a stunning visual backdrop amidst the sex, drugs, and rock. The band's performances are stellarly captured with some strong vocals delivered by both Stewart and Fanning.
Overall, I think this film will surprise people but may prove to lite for fans more familiar with the band, its history, and music. However, I think that if you aren't familiar with The Runaways, by the film's end, you'll be a fan. 6 out of 10 stars.