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Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Runaways Movie Review

The Runaways
Rating: *** or *** 1/2
Starring: Kirsten Stewart and Dakota Fanning

There are some stories in rock n roll that get the movie treatment. Sometimes, it's good and other times it can be bad. When it comes to The Runaways, this movie should be on the list of good rock biopics. The movie is based on the story of the all girl rock n roll group who made rock history for the later part of the 1970's. The story of the Runaways has been told before in the documentary Edgeplay. This time, director Floria Sigismondi used an autobiography written by singer Cherie Curry as the script for the movie. The basic story of this movie is the friendship between Cherie and Joan Jett and how their lives are changed by rock n roll. The story is somewhat accurate. One minor flaw is the members of the band. Sure you got Cherie (Dakota Fanning), Joan (Kirsten Stewart), Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton), and Sandy West (Stella Maeve) but with ever-changing bassists, the movie creates a fictional bassist named Robin. Another flaw in the movie is that because the movie is using the Cherie Curry book, this movie only covers what the Runaways were like when Cherie was in the band. Still, the movie is strong. There are a few funny scenes, notable involving Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon). Shannon does a great job playing the bully that bossed the band around. Also, the music rocks. I mean, who doesn't love "Cherry Bomb"? Fanning and Stewart actually sing and play their instruments. The soundtrack also features songs by the Stooges and David Bowie. From what I'm hearing, both Cherie Curry and Joan Jett themselves helped with the making of this movie. Fans of the Twlight movie saga will probably be shocked over a scene where Fanning and Stewart share a kiss or two. This is done all very innocently and should cause no controversy. If you want to see a good rock n roll movie, go and see this movie.

The Runaways is playing in limited theaters until April 9 when it has a wide release.

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