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Rated 3.03 stars
by 288 people


ReelTalk Movie Reviews
Authentic Rock 'n Roll Spirit
by Frank Wilkins

There’s a seamy thread that snakes its way through The Runaways like a filthy unmentionable so forbidden, even thinking it will get you thrown in jail. The film tells the story of the rise and eventual decline of the all-girl, sub-16 year-old “jailbait” rock band from the ‘70s , The Runaways, who paved the way for future generations of girl rock bands. Undoubtedly, a lot of the band’s success came from the on-stage sexuality of its members, so appropriately the film never pulls back on the reins of depicting teen eroticism.

We get an early indication that writer director Floria Sigismondi has no interest in taking the high road of political correctness when the film’s opening scene depicts blood pouring from between the legs of Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) as she gets her first period. The rock n’ roll scene in the ‘70s was a tough one, especially so for such young girls. And we’re apparently going to get it all… the sex, the drugs and the rock n’ roll. Oh, and more sex… from 15 year-olds.

Based on Currie’s memoir, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, the film limits most of its focus to founding band members Jett (Kristen Stewart), who became guitarist and principal songwriter, and singer Currie who was discovered by Jett and flamboyant record producer Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) outside a Los Angeles disco club at the tender age of 15.  With the exception of gender, the film is your basic VH1 rags-to-riches-to-rags rock ‘n roll story, but soars under the strength of the heavyweight performances of Stewart and Fanning who do a great job channeling the power that rock music carried in the ‘70s.

Not only does Sigismondi successfully document the rise and fall of the band, but the first-time filmmaker also faithfully captures the volatile climate of the 1970s, an awkward period struggling to find a purpose after the tumult of the ‘60s. A lot of social hang-ups had been lifted by the time the ‘70s rolled around, making kids feel as if most norms and mores no longer existed. The time was ripe for punk, glam, or anything else that might stir the pot of social acceptability. Fowley knew this and exploited it for maximum effect. The film is as messy and flawed as the era, but its grittiness and raw energy infuse it with an authentic rock n’ roll spirit.

Sigismondi’s lack of reluctance to depict the band members’ blatant under-aged sexuality and wanton debauchery (which involved, among other things, Currie’s donning a lacy corset and revealing panties on stage… at the age of 16) lends the film a passionate sense of authenticity and truthfulness. Sigismondi seems to revel in titillating the audience with a taboo subject that makes us quite uncomfortable… never allowing us to completely settle in. We don’t question her judgment for showing it (nor that of the actresses for their portrayals), but rather, we look at the entire establishment that allowed it to flourish. This certainly wouldn’t be met too kindly today.

Stewart’s brooding, mumbly mannerisms play nicely into Jett’s withdrawn but determined persona. It’s exciting to see her come alive on stage when she cranks up her guitar. And yes folks, that’s really Stewart singing and strumming.

Fanning excels at her depiction of the slow burn that brought down Currie’s curtain of fame and teenage innocence. Behind it was a smoldering pit of confusion, agony and misery. It’s a beautiful thing to see Fanning take us through her character’s progression.

The rock n’ roll soundtrack gives this coming-of-age story an edge as hard and bristly as the era from whence it came. It features many of the band's most well-known songs, as well as some by artists who influenced the band, such as Suzi Quattro. We’re even treated to a re-enactment of the impromptu writing of Cherry Bomb, which went on to become the band’s most commercially successful song.

On the surface, The Runaways is a movie about a rock band that flamed out too early. But the real story being told -- that of an unlikely bunch of girls who captured lightning in a bottle -- is so well handled by all involved, the movie will likely become a rock n’ roll staple alongside such classics as Velvet Goldmine and Almost Famous.

(Released by Apparition and rated “R” for language, drug use and sexual content - all involving teens.)

Review also posted at www.franksreelreviews.com.


                                                                                                                                                                               
 
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