Before seeing this I had low expectations. I am not a big Dakota Fanning fan and Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett seemed a little silly. I was however interested in seeing Michael Shannon because I was a huge fan of his performance in Revolutionary Road.

All three of them did a fantastic job. Shannon was definitely the scene stealer in this one but both Stewart and Fanning gave convincing and wild performances. This movie was sexy, intriguing and at times heart breaking. It is the definition of jail bait (as said in the movie).

As for the singing Fanning killed it. She sounded so great it was a huge surprise. And although Stewart didn't really show off her vocal skills that much she still sounded great. It's not your typical rise and fall of famous musicians (Walk the Line, Ray, Rockstar) which is actually refreshing. It did it's job and entertained the hell out of me. It got to the point and showed the brief but huge success of a rock band that didn't play by the rules.

Definitely not a perfect movie by any means and has its flaws but it for sure is my favorite movie of the year so far.

9/10

Solid film-making! A

LOVED this! It was a fun, sexy little flick. Dakota Fanning and Kristin Stewart were fantastic. Best movie of the year so far.

8/10 (A-)

I've had Dakota singing Cherry Bomb as my text tone since I saw the movie, BTW.

The Runaways would have a better film if it was more about the story of The Runaways instead of just Cherie. It also would of been better if Cherie was played by someone else. Dakota Fanning really has trouble finding footing here and comes across as stale a lot of the time. Plus with the film being mostly about her, it really brings the film down. Kristen Stewart is pretty good as Joan but her side of the story is never given its full potential and once her solo career kicks off, it kind of just happens and there is no preparation shown to that point. Michael Shannon is off key as well and over the top. Outside of the flaws, it does have some fun with the music but it really is a big let down. *1/2

BJs Grade:

B

fun film with many flaws indeed, but entertaining and engaging all the same.

THE RUNAWAYS

I didn't actually view the film as much as I listened to the commentary of the film done by Kristen, Dakota and Joan. I really enjoyed the commentary. Kristen is quite the chatterbox yet gives you interesting information. Joan seemed to reinforce that adaptation was a quality realistic interpretation of her/their story together. The music was good and made me interested in downloading some of it. I thought Dakota was good in the film and costumes were very authentic as well. Shame more of an audience didn't notice the film while in theaters.

Grade - B

I enjoyed it. It's flawed, but fairly entertaining. I thought Dakota was great.

7/10 ( B )

Is it clichéd? Yes. The formula is clear. Part 1: Formation. We see the troubled lives of our protagonists (the alcoholic father, the sexist teacher), what they will escape from. Part 2: Forming the Band and Paying Dues. Rehearsal sessions in a trailer. Gigs in front of abusive crowds in cut-rate clubs. Part 3: FAME (what's your name, what's your name?). The first half of part 3 is dedicated to the "nice" side of fame--the televised performances, the limousines, the legions of screaming fans. The second half of part 3, however, is dedicated to the downfall--sex without meaning, drugs, creative-control feuds. The side of fame which inspired Jarvis (Pulp) to write This Is Hardcore. Then there is Part 4: Into the Future. The self-destruction ends, people are forced to decide what their next move is. Part 4 often includes sad scenes in which former friends and creative partners realize they now have no idea what to say to each other.

But it is rare to see clichés this damn fun. This film is propulsive, it's self-sustaining, it's sexy and stylish and doesn't stop until the credits roll. Fanning and Stewart are so into their roles. Their passion is clear, as is their attention to detail. Michael Shannon is also fantastic. And the music is, of course, electricfying--Bowie, MC5, Sex Pistols, the Stooges, the Runaways themselves, etc..

If you watch this as a music fan, as a person who owns band t-shirts, as a person who loves to be in the center of a sweaty crowd listening to live music, I can't imagine you not getting a significant kick out of it. I did. I would love to watch it as a double feature with Velvet Goldmine or A Hard Day's Night.

A-

Interesting all but 1 liked to loved the movie.

I have to see it one day as I saw a scene being filmed for the movie. One day I was walking down Hollywood Blvd and they were filming in the pool at one of the travel hotels.

The music is great, and Michael Shannon elevates the thing, but that's about it.