New film is Runaway success

A band biographical picture with an actual member of the band as one of the producers is destined for greatness.

Joan Jett is one of five producers on The Runaways, which is based on Cherie Currie's memoir "Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway."

These two elements interplay and the fact that both Jett and Currie spent large amounts of time with the actresses representing them gave the actresses ample opportunity to mirror their movements and their voices (both speaking and singing).

I couldn't decide if I wanted to see The Runaways, purely for the fact I didn‘t know if I really wanted to see Kristen Stewart butcher Joan Jett, The Runaways and all their music.

I was pleasantly surprised.

This is an enjoyable movie for fans of The Runaways and moviegoers looking for a good time.

Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart played their roles as Cherie Currie and Joan Jett effectively and accurately. Polar opposites in many respects, Jett rocks jet black hair in comparison to Currie's bombshell blonde hair. Despite the height difference (due to Currie's platform shoes), the interesting dynamic of their friendship shows through, especially in an unanticipated lesbian scene. The two kiss passionately, and a night of sex is alluded to by a skip to the next morning with an underwear-clad Jett and a sheet-wearing Currie celebrating a newly acquired record deal.

This is definitely a breakout film for both Stewart and Fanning.

Stewart who gained fame as meek, human Bella Swan in the Twilight Saga becomes a rude, crude, rock-and-roll machine in her adaptation of Joan Jett. Fanning, who is probably the most famous and successful child star of this generation, found a way to separate herself from childhood stardom and make a real name for herself as an incarnation of Cherie Currie.

Another unexpected aspect of this film was the outright lewdness of most characters. I never thought I'd see the day, or the movie, where Stewart curses in a way that would put a sailor to shame. The same goes for Fanning, that sweet Uptown Girl.

The film casts a shadow on the other members of the band, which should be expected since the film is based on a memoir of Currie's. I also didn't fully grasp The Runaways success in the film, because it mostly cuts off after Currie gets a little too much of the rock-and-roll style, leaves the band and ends up in rehab. After Currie, The Runaways converted Joan Jett to lead vocals and went on to make another record and go on a world tour with The Ramones.

All is put to rest by the end of the movie where a rehabilitated Currie at her nice, safe job calls a wildly successful Jett, who's a guest on a radio show Currie's listening to, and the two "catch up."

All in all I was pleasantly surprised with the film, and it may even be my new guilty pleasure. Just don't tell anyone I actually enjoyed watching a film with Kristen Stewart.