Movies made around rock music generally fall into 3 categories i.e. where : i) there is a real story to tell like the one on Johnny Cash (Walk the line) ii) its all about the music and everything else is swung around it (Almost Famous) and iii) its more like a tribute by a fan to a band and most films of this genre end up in this category. The Runaways definitely belongs to the final group but with the difference that its produced by Joan Jett herself. A few of the band's hits are prominently featured and the story follows the classic rock-band cycle of sex, drugs and rock n roll. And says very little of any note, unless you are a fan of Joan Jett / The Runaways.
Kristen Stewart plays Joan Jett with just one expression and lots of leather pants. It does seem that she is on her way to becoming one of those Hollywood icons; the kind that will always be wanted by producers/directors even though its all about just one expression. However, Dakota Fanning as Cherrie Currie (the lead singer) was a revelation and demonstrating enough substance to become the real deal.
Rating: * *
