The Runaways (2010)

A coming-of-age biographical film about the 1970s teenage all-girl rock band The Runaways. The relationship between band members Cherie Currie and Joan Jett is also explored.

Director:

Floria Sigismondi

Writers:

Floria Sigismondi (screenplay), Cherie Currie (book)

Stars:

Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon

6 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 age 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 drugs and vodka, and jealousies arise. Without adult supervision, where can Joan and Cherie end up?

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | revisionist history | triple f rated | feminist film | cherry bomb | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music

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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:

19 March 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Neon Angels

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$805,115, 21 March 2010

Gross USA:

$3,573,673

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,681,651

Company Credits

Production Co:

River Road Entertainment, Linson Entertainment, Blackheart Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dakota Fanning borrowed a belt from Cherie Currie to wear in the film. Joan Jett recognized the belt in the DVD commentary and stated Cherie wore it constantly while touring with The Runaways.

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Goofs

When Rodney Bingenheimer interviews Joan Jett on his KROQ radio show in the early '80s, he claims that he used to play a lot of Runaways music at his old Sunset Strip club, the English Disco. This club closed half a year before the band even got together, let alone had landed a recording contract. However, it is possible that the character was mistaken or telling a tall tale.

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Quotes

Cherie Currie: What is this?
Sandy West: It ain't baby shampoo. I call it the dirty sink. A little bit of everything from my parent's liquor cabinet. Just a little, so they can't tell I'm dipping into their stash.
Cherie Currie: My dad would notice - he likes his booze.
Sandy West: Is he an alcoholic?
Cherie Currie: No, he just likes it. He says that's the difference. He likes to drink, he doesn't need to drink.
Sandy West: I like to drink.
Joan Jett: The dirty sink is where we're gonna be puking that shit up tomorrow.
Sandy West: Hey, Salt 'n' Pepper - race you down the hill.
Joan Jett: You're fucking on.

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Alternate Versions

The UK version removes the glue-sniffing scene in order to obtain a 15 rating (and thus avoid a higher 18 rating).

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Connections

Featured in Maltin on Movies: Video Guide 2010 (2010)

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Soundtracks

You Drive Me Wild
Written by Joan Jett
Performed by The Runaways
Courtesy of The Island Def Jam Music Group
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Good Portrayal of Joan Jett / But What About Lita ?

I thought the movie was a good portrayal of Joan Jetts early days. I will give Joan all the credit in the world, she is still making music and performing to this day. What about Lita Ford ?? I mean, when I think of Joan Jett...I think of "I Love Rock and Roll" ...When I think of Lita Ford, I think of songs like "Kiss me Deadly" & "Close My Eyes Forever" which were both huge hits in the 80's. The movie hardly mentioned her. The Movie did not even mention her at the the end when it was giving the updates on where Joan, Sherie & Kim...I think Lita should of at least been mentioned...she is still considered by many to be the Queen of Metal still to this day.