The Runaways

In 1975 a guy called Michael Shannon had a vision to create the female version of the Beatles. First in the recruitment line were 15-year-olds Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, who became the most famous members of The Runaways. Their sexually charged performances and hard rock tunes made them an overnight success, but at such a young age, the kudos came with a price. Currie, played by Dakota Fanning in the film, crashed and burnt out with the help of too many drugs, while Jett, played by fellow Twilight star Kristen Stewart, went on to have a rocking solo career.

The script is based on Cherie Currie’s memoirs, so is inevitably biased towards her in terms of screen time. However, Jett’s overwhelming influence on her life (which includes a very tame lesbian kiss between the two) is also portrayed. While it’s interesting to see both Fanning and Stewart in more raw roles, the film doesn’t quite master the pure rock chaos that The Runaways left in their wake. Still, it’s an entertaining night out.

Rating: 3.5 outta 5.