THOUGHTS ON THE RUNAWAYS MOVIE

“JAIL-FUCKING-BAIT! JACK-FUCKING-POT!” exclaimed the legendary Kim Fowley, as he realized his vision of an all-girl rock band was quickly becoming a reality.

I’ve long been fascinated with The Runaways. They were the first all-girl rock band. And even though their career was short…they had that sort of spunk that no other all-female act has ever really been able to re-create. The movie itself is pretty dazzling. It definitely captures the “feel” of the 70’s: the music scene, drug culture…and my GOD the shoes. It was fun to watch these chicks rock out, and “think with their cocks,” especially in a world where “girls don’t play electric guitar.” But we must remember…this is Hollywood, so even though I enjoyed what I saw, I was well aware that I was only seeing a certain side of the story. After all, this film was based on Cherie Currie’s book: Neon Angel, and Joan Jett did a crap ton of on-set coaching…so a lot of emphasis was put on just them.

In terms of performances…Dakota Fanning (as Cherie Currie) owns this movie. I had my doubts, but she really nails it. Especially the iconic Japanese TV performance of “Cherry Bomb”…mic tricks, lingerie get-ups and all. Kristen Stewart plays a good Joan Jett, because all one really has to do is slouch and look pissed off. All things that “K.Stew” tends to excel at. Scout Taylor-Compton plays Lita Ford, but you don’t really see/hear much of her. Every time she had a line, she was just saying something bitchy. I guess that’s pretty dead on, then. Stella Maeve plays drummer Sandy West, and is probably the most likable of all the band members. And Alia Shawkat plays busty bassist Jackie Fox “Robin.” I guess Jackie wanted nothing to do with the movie, so they had to make up some random girl to throw in there. I can’t recall her speaking even once. But screw all those chicks…because Michael Shannon (as Kim Fowley) steals the entire show. I can only hope he is as big of a nutbag in real life as he is in the movie. Homeboy has the best one-liners.

Anyway…I liked it. Nothing Oscar-worthy, but it’s fun, and that’s all I need.  

What’s YOUR favorite band movie? Whether biopic / fictional / documentary or whathaveyou. I always liked That Thing You Do!, Dig! and Heavy Metal Parking Lot…if that counts. Did any of you see The Runways yet? What did you think?

-Elise

P.S. I never realized it would be so funny to watch Kristen Stewart tell Lita Ford to “SHUT THE FUCK UP”…..but it was.