Posts Tagged Joan Jett

The Runaways (2010)

The wait is over – and I was among the lucky few who were selected to see an advance screening of “The Runaways” tonight in Seattle.  As such, before you roll out to the movies this weekend, I want to set the record straight on this film.

To the haters who say this is just a click flick.  You’re wrong.

To the people who think this is just a film about Joan Jett.  You’re wrong.

To all the people who are going to see this film because Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning allegedly have a very hot, lusty love scene.  Forget that – it’s not what you’re imagining.

Leave your expectations at the door.

This is not a film for the weak of heart.  In the first 30 seconds of the film, you’ll understand what I mean.  This is a film about rock-n-roll, baby, and it is raw, and messy, and sexy as hell.  This is not the kind of movie you take your 10 year old daughter to, unless you’re ready for her to don thick black mascara, strut around in her underwear, and lip sync in the mirror.  Yes, this movie has that kind of effect…not that I’m speaking from personal experience…

Joan Jett first swaggered into my cultural universe when I was in middle school – a time when, like most girls, I was awkward and unsure of myself.  There is a significant historical, cultural, and social relevance to Jett’s life.  There is something at once fiercely transfixing and empowering about her single-minded passion for creating music – and this energy and intensity is ever present in Kristen Stewart’s performance.  The girl can really rock the Jett mullet, too.

But, the focus of The Runaways is Dakota Fanning, who at the ripe age of 15 has finally transcended a dramatic level many twice her age will never acheive.

As Cherie Currie, Fanning is brutally real – a disaffected hot mess.  You will feel uncomfortable with her sexualized performance.  Get past that.

Technical asides – Fanning and Stewart do lend their voices to the soundtrack.  Fanning’s “Cherry Bomb” rivals Cherie Currie’s.  The editing of the film is pitch perfect – and while there are lulls in the plot, the film is nothing short of noteworthy.  The film is atmospheric and thick with great moments – Jett and Curie beneath the Hollywood sign, the band playing a house party and deflecting beer cans with their instruments, Jett – maturing musically and moving on to her work with the Blackhearts, singing “Love is Pain” in the tub.

Dakota Fanning & Kristen Stewart, The Runaways (2010)

It’s no secret that biopics have a special place in my heart, and The Runaways is no different.  It perfectly encapsulates a moment in time when the world’s first all girl rock band was coming into their own and sticking it in the man’s face.

Put it on your “must see” list or I’ll kick your a$$…okay, maybe I won’t (or couldn’t if I tried), but I’m sure Joan Jett could…