The Runaways

UK Release: 8th April 2010

Watched on LoveFilm Instant: Thursday 24th May 2012

Rating: 15

Genre: Biography, Drama, Music

Runtime: 1hr 46mins

Tagline: It's 1975 and they're about to explode.

IMDb Plot Synopsis: 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?

My Review: Full of raw energy, The Runaways is one hell of a cool film, shot beautifully and capturing the essence of 70s rock and roll. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning take the leads and they do a mighty fine job of it (surprising for all those Stewart naysayers, i’m sure) as you both relate and empathise for them as well as get frustrated with them as things start to crumble. The atmosphere this film manages to create is wonderful - the music, the costumes, the cinematography... it’s excellent. It puts you right in the action and, being of a generation who knew nothing about The Runaways, it was a fascinating journey with quite a sad end. 

When watching I felt things slowed down in the last act, but over the past week I’ve liked it more and more in hindsight and would actually like to see it all over again. 

Despite the fantastic acting and powerful soundtrack it was the cinematography that impressed me the most. The reds, quick editing and attention to detail really helped to add pace, keeping it interesting and thrilling to watch.

It was full of attitude, but with an emotional undertone; The Runaways is certainly the most fresh film I’ve seen over the past few weeks!

Score: 8/10