The Runaways

A Cherry Bomb explosion of 70’s rock 'n roll, indulged with neon lights, retro fashion, drugs, alcohol, sex and even masturbation; forms the extreme elements of The Runaways. Based upon the 70’s all girl rock band of the same name, the film explores the beginning dynamics between the band, focusing on favourites Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, played by Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning respectively. It features the very intense working relationship with their producer Kim Fowley played creepily well by Michael Shannon. We learn how they got signed to a record label, the intense fame that soon occurred afterwards and the eventual downfall and departure of lead singer Cherie Currie.
One of the films highlights was naturally the 70’s music featuring artists like Suzi Quatro, David Bowie, Sex Pistols and of course The Runaways.
The cinematography was effective in the way that it captured the 70's era and the look of the music video clips of the time. However once or twice some of the shots were annoyingly grainy due to the lack of lighting, and the focus on occasion seemed to be focused on the wrong actor.
Performances by Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning were naturally superb, more impressive was the fact that they actually sang really, really well. I felt Dakota Fanning however almost went borderline melodramatic in her performance on rare occasions, mainly during her fucked up drug moments, but we can perhaps account that to the fact that she would not have had such previous life experiences to work from. I will agree that both actresses embodied the portrayed characters, and their odd love relationship was very authentic on screen. Kirsten Stewart delved far away from the world of Twilight showcasing that she is still an amazingly capable indie actress.
Shannon's portrayal of music producer, Kim Fowley was another highlight of the film. His dialogue was memorable with his blunt, cruel, sexist way of bullying the band to perform better.

“..fuck you, fuck authority - I want an orgasm! Now, growl! Moan! This ain't women's lib, kiddies - the is women's libido! I wanna see the scratch marks down their fucking backs! Now, do it again. Again. Like your boyfriend just fucked your sister in your parent's bed. LIKE YOU WANT A FUCKING ORGASM!”

And like Fowley’s metaphor of how to make good rock 'n roll music; this film is one fucking orgasm!