The Runaways
July-20-2010
Entertainment
A bad attitude and Brigitte Bardot looks land 16-year-old Cherie Currie (Fanning) a lead-singing role in a burgeoning '70s band The Runaways, alongside guitarist Joan Jett (Stewart) and three other teen wannabes. The all-girl band - pushed as "jail-bait rock" by their sleazy manager (Shannon) - is soon killing it in clubs worldwide, simultaneously paving the way for future female rockers. But as the girls start dabbling in the perks of being on the road, their fairytale beings to look more like a nightmare.
Highlights: Who knew Stewart could slip so effortlessly into Joan Jett mode? She's the most authentic driving force in this captivating coming-of-age story that serves up a spirited retro snapshot of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. As for the tunes, you may be inspired to go on a CD shopping trip afterwards.
Lowlights: Leaving her child-star roots behind, Fanning's turn as the sexy, snarling Cherie isn't bad, but the movie would have been better off if it had focussed equal time on the better-known Jett.
Rating: Four stars.