The Runaways (2010)

A coming-of-age biopic about '70s teenage band The Runaways.

Director:

Floria Sigismondi

Writers:

Floria Sigismondi (screenplay), Cherie Currie (book)

Stars:

Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kristen Stewart	...	Joan Jett
Dakota Fanning	...	Cherie Currie
Michael Shannon	...	Kim Fowley
Stella Maeve	...	Sandy West
Scout Taylor-Compton	...	Lita Ford
Alia Shawkat	...	Robin
Riley Keough	...	Marie Currie
Johnny Lewis	...	Scottie
Tatum O'Neal	...	Cherie's Mom
Brett Cullen	...	Cherie's Dad
Hannah Marks	...	Tammy
Jill Andre	...	Aunt Evie
Ray Porter	...	Band Member
Kiaya Snow	...	Cashier
Allie Grant	...	Club Girl

Storyline

In 1975, San Fernando Valley teen Joan Larkin reinvents herself as Joan Jett, a guitarist who wants to form an all-girl punk band. She pitches the idea to a sleazy manager, Kim Fowley, who pairs her with a drummer and then searches for a face: he finds Cherie Currie, at 15 the perfect jailbait image for his purpose; by luck, she can sing. Two others round out the band, "The Runaways." Fowley books a tour, signs them to Mercury Records, and packs them off to crowds in Japan. Seeds of conflict sprout early: Fowley puts Cherie front and center in the publicity, she's soon strung out on pills and vodka, and jealousies arise. Without adult supervision, where can Joan and Cherie end up?

---

Plot Keywords:

band | tour | drummer | vodka | guitarist | 

---

Taglines:

It's 1975 and they're about to explode.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, drug use and sexual content - all involving teens

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 April 2010 (Malaysia)

Also Known As:

Neon Angels

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$805,115 (USA) (19 March 2010)

Gross:

$3,571,735 (USA) (28 May 2010)

Company Credits

Production Co:

River Road Entertainment, Linson Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joan Jett's one regret about this film is that the title card at the end of the film that reveals the fate of herself, Kim Fowley and Cherie Currie does not also feature that of Sandy West. On the DVD commentary, Jett unofficially dedicates the film to West, who died just before the film went into production.

---

Goofs

An early scene takes place outside Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco on Sunset Strip-one of West Hollywood's busiest multi-lane thoroughfares. Yet in movie it is depicted as two lane street with virtually no traffic.

---

Quotes

Cherie Currie: I just gotta spend time with my family.
Joan Jett: Your family? Who? No really, your mom in Indonesia or your drunk dad? Are we not your fucked up family now?

---

Connections

References Foxes (1980)

---

Soundtracks

"I Wanna Be Where The Boys Are"
Written by Kim Fowley and Roni Lee
Performed by Kristen Stewart, Stella Maeve and Michael Shannon

User Reviews

Engrossing tale of innocence lost ... with great music!

Just caught a special screening of The Runaways last night at the Laemmle on Sunset, and it more than exceeded expectations. The leads (Kristen Stewart, Michael Shannon and Dakota Fanning) do an admirable job playing the sullen budding rock star, whacked-out manager and reluctant front girl. At first, it looked as though Stewart was going to fall back on her woe-is-me (woe-is-us who have to suffer through it) Bella character in Twilight, but her performance as Joan Jett soon showed a shyness and vulnerability that made the role three dimensional and overall enjoyable. Shannon gives a wonderful turn as Kim Fowley, The Runaways' too-brilliant-for-his-own-good manager and has some of the best lines in the movie (my friend and I were giddy every time he opened his mouth). But the real star here is Fanning as the innocent Cherie Curie, who didn't ask to be a star but was thrust into the spotlight nevertheless. Watching her downward spiral from innocent young woman (the film opens with her getting her first period) to trying to buy a jug of vodka for breakfast is where this movie soars above others of its ilk. With her big baby blues (wow, those eyes), Fanning portrays innocence lost more effectively than any other actress I can remember. She should be considered for many awards for her performance. Did I mention those eyes?

All in all, The Runaways is a fantastic movie. The direction, though "arty" at times, fits in well with the rock 'n' roll themes. The script is nearly pitch perfect without being preachy or excessive. The performances great. The soundtrack genius (from Bowie to The Stooges to The Sex Pistols - and even a few Runaways songs). But what really adds to the authenticity of the 70's period piece are the costumes and set design, which transport the audience back into a time when women rockers were practically unheard of. Some of the fashion (where did they find all those platform heels?) even takes on a life of its own. Looking forward to watching this little gem again.