The Runaways (2010)
The Runaways (2010)
BDRip 1080p | MKV | 1920 x 816 | x264 @ 2500 Kbps | 106 min | 2,03 Gb
Audio: English AAC 5.1 @ 224 Kbps | Subs: None
Genre: Drama, Music | Director: Floria Sigismondi
BDRip 1080p | MKV | 1920 x 816 | x264 @ 2500 Kbps | 106 min | 2,03 Gb
Audio: English AAC 5.1 @ 224 Kbps | Subs: None
Genre: Drama, Music | Director: Floria Sigismondi
The Runaways were the ground-breaking, all girl, teenage rock band of the 1970s. Friends, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie went from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. Under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley the group became an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earned a name for itself-and so did its two leads.
I've been a Runaways fan since 1976, so I had been anticipating this film for a long time. Having read Cherie Currie's book, Neon Angel, on which the film is very loosely based, I was pretty familiar with the broad outlines of the story. As with any film adaptation of a book, I knew they would leave some things out and streamline other things, and I also suspected the film wouldn't be as dark as the book, which turned out to be true.
What the film really nailed was the relationship between the Runaways and their sleazy manager/producer Kim Fowley. Michael Shannon does a fabulous job playing this over-the-top character. His expletive-filled rants are simultaneously hilarious and cringe-worthy.
The stars, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, are both excellent as Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, respectively. Stewart displays Jett's consuming passion for rock and roll and her desire to work hard to be a star. Fanning does a very good job balancing Currie's conflicting desires (to be a rock star and be with her family). It's no secret that the film doesn't spend much time with the other three members of the band. I have no problem with that, since Jett and Currie are, for me, the most interesting and most talented members.
The film does a great job showing the band performing. Stewart and Fanning clearly worked hard to be believable as rockers, and it paid off. You see the progression of both characters from neophytes to seasoned performers, and it works. Another aspect is the struggle by the Runaways to be taken seriously. There were very few hard-rocking ladies in 1976, so they faced a lot of skepticism. The film shows this very well.
The music is very good. The new versions of Runaways songs are good, although Fanning sounds nothing like Currie. The period songs are a nice selection, from David Bowie to Gary Glitter to the Stooges. The filmmakers nailed the look of the period as well. The clothes, hair, furniture, etc., are just right.
Overall, this is an excellent film. I highly recommend it.
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The Runaways (2010)
