Filmfeline

by Chinny Bini

Ooooh, the Runaways! Are you a Kristen Stewart fan? How about Dakota Fanning? Both girls absolutely shine in this film.

I can’t recall if Dakota ever played alongside Meryl Streep, but she’s definitely her type of  actress. You know she will deliver. You know she will add something wonderful to her character and you know, she will come out classy. Cherie Currie was no little angel. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, the Runaways script is based on a book by Cherie Currie. This is for teens, but let’s be honest, the truth was probably more raw. At least a tad, no? You’ve got girls making out with girls, all high as a kite, on the road with roadies and sleazy musicians … come on. This is the fairy version of the Runaways, but okay, the film was good. I liked it a lot.

The story begins with Cherie’s bloody thighs on the way to a gas station bathroom with her sister, because Cherie just got her period. What keeps Cherie Curie grounded no matter her experiences with Joan, is Marie.  The twins care for one another, help each other, they are each other’s family.  Tatum O’Neal plays their theatrical mother and Brett Cullen weighs in as the alcoholic, ailing Mr. Curie.  The bond between the sisters is strong. Marie Curie is  very well  executed by Riely Keough, the beautiful granddaughter of  the great Elvis Presley. Keoughis a gorgeous creature, yet her beauty was not accentuated in any way here. She is stunning and her performance was strong. One could understand her character’s plight; feeling for her, even when she’s not on screen. For the most part, she is wearing grubby clothes and no make up, with exception to the opening scene.  (Funny seeing Empire Record’s Brendan Sexton III in this;)

Joan Jett is played by the cool, effervescent, talented Kristen Stewart. She’s seeking rock stardom. She wants an all girl band. Jett  crosses paths with legendary record producer, filmmaker Kim Fowley outside a nightclub. She is not afraid to say what she wants, which is a plus to Jett’s character and when the band is set, only one thing seems to be missing among the tomboys - the cherry pie. Fowley is played by Michael Shannon. He’s one of those characters you just love to hate. The guy played them like a record, but he made them stars. 

Kristen Stewart was perfectly cast. What is most appealing about her is her cool, go with the flow attitude she applies to every role she plays. No doubt, it is most likely her character in real life, but it definitely works on screen. She is beautiful, but not in a Barbie way, more like Barbie’s tomboy bff.  Her cool demeanor worked in the Panic Room, it works for Bella in Twilight, it worked here. Some action stars need those big blockbuster one liners to be cool. Stewart just is. I see her having a very similar career to Jodie Foster. Come on, admit it, Stewart could easily play Clarice Sterling if she were a few years older, right?

There is not much to analyze about this film. If you don’t know who Joan Jett is you’ve been living under a rock. The film is about making a band, young chicks with attitude and some interesting chops for music. Shannon is a riot, and both Stewart and Fanning deliver an impressive performance. See it, it’s a fun movie!