See it! Rent it! or Skip it! A review of the film, "The Runaways."

When I first saw the trailer for the movie “The Runaways,” I had very high hopes for the film. I have been a Joan Jet and the Blackhearts fan for a long time and to see the story of Joan’s first band and their trek through the early years of the trying to make it in the music industry intrigued me.

The band only lasted in the industry for about 2 years in the early 70s and the film under the direction of Floria Sigismondi, who also penned the screenplay, does an excellent job in portraying the gritty spirit that was so much a part of the decade.

Kristen Stewart’s performance in the lead roll gives the film authenticity. She captures the essence of the original and many times I had to catch myself taking a double take. A big draw back to the overall quality of the film is the uneven acting performance by Dakota Fanning who plays Cherry Currie. There seemed to be too many scenes that lacked emotional connection that can at times throw the audience off track. Michael Shannon portrayal of Kim Fowley, the semi-senile and manipulative band manager, is spot on.

The rocking soundtrack of easily recognizable hits by the band makes you reminisce. Everyone knows where they were when they heard those songs for the first time.

Overall this film is typical of the sex, drugs, rock and roll saga. Only this time, the main characters that we see engaging in sex-capades, doing drugs and rocking out are female.

Want my advice? If you are a Joan Jet fan see it! For everyone else, rent it!