Girls rock in movie ‘The Runaways’

The all-girl rock band the Runaways had just one hit, 1976’s “Cherry Bomb” which went number one. In Japan.Source
Still, the story behind the band is an interesting one and the new biopic starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning takes “girl power” to a whole new level. It’s kind of like the Spice Girls but on speed. As the story goes, 15-year-old Joan Jett (Stewart) is looking to rock out in 70s Southern California, but electric guitars and females are still taboo. In steps promoter Kim Fowley, played zestily by actor Michael Shannon.

Fowley loves the idea of an all-girl rock band and scours the clubs for the ones who have the look and the snarl. Soon after, The Runaways are born.
Fanning plays lead singer Cherie Currie, a cross between David Bowie and Bridgette Bardot. At first, Currie doesn’t have that snarl, but Fowley brings it out of her, turning her into a rock-and-roll temptress.
Stewart does justice to Jett, the most well-known member of the band. While I can’t ever envision Stewart as a real rocker, she certainly has done her homework when it comes to the quirks and gestures that personify the character. And take it from me, a guy who grew up having a major crush on Jett. To this day, she still frightens and allures me.
Shannon’s turn as the button-pusher Fowley is terrific acting as well. Shannon is one of those guys who you probably have no idea who he is by name, but when you see him you say “Oh, that guy.”
The drawback is it starts to feel a little bit like an R-rated “Behind the Music.” It’s awesome watching the girls come together and seeing “Cherry Bomb” blow up into an under-appreciated anthem. But you just know that it is going to end poorly.
Currie was a dynamic performer with a great voice, but how many people have ever heard of her? Oblivion city, baby.
“The Runaways” is destined to be a niche film, due to its well-deserved R rating. But for those of us who think of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll as an ambition, not a T-shirt iron on, then this could be the movie for you.
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and take a listen to “Cherry Bomb.” It’s an awesome tune. Who Will Like This Movie: My Mom: Because she is a David Bowie freak and probably painted her face ala Aladdin Sane, just like Cherie Currie.
Aspiring Girl Rockers: The Runaways knew how to rock out and put dudes in their place.
Joan Jett: Because everyone else in the band came out looking lame compared to her.
Who Won’t Like This Movie:
Parents of Aspiring Girl Rockers: Take that electric guitar you bought your daughter and burn it. Burn it like there is no tomorrow.
Lita Ford: The lead guitarist of the Runaways. Her character was barely in the movie and when she was, she was really being a jerk.
“Twilight” fans: Kristen Stewart in a movie with no vampires, werewolves or hunky guys named Taylor? How many days until “Eclipse” comes out?
Grade: B-

xoxo
Carrie