Based on Currie's memoir, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, The Runaways follows the band's formation from Joan Jett's (Kristen Stewart) chance meeting with record producer Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) to their eventual break-up a few years later. Though based in fact, the story trends towards a more fictionalized account. Things happened, but the way and context might be a little off in some cases.
The primary story revolves around Currie (Dakota Fanning), who is pulled into Kim and Joan's concept of an all girl rock band. Kim's vision involves the girls raging against the currently male-dominated rock scene. Sex, violence and angst are what will get the girls to the top. Currie is, at first, shy to the concept but after securing a place with an on-the-spot performance of "Cherry Bomb" - which would become the group's hit and Currie's "anthem" - she's rocketed into a world of drugs, sex and every other vice imaginable.
I like The Runaways, but I'm willing to admit the film has its issues. Thankfully the good outweighs the bad, but there are still problems at every turn. As a result, The Runaways is a great watch, but nothing you'll go back to for repeated viewings. On a first viewing, The Runaways hits viewers over the head with gritty, washed-out visuals (which kind of go against a crisp HD viewing... but more on that later). The entire visual scheme comes off like a LSD-laced rock video. It's great. But then there's the story... or lack of story.
Despite Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning's best acting efforts, The Runaways falls short when it comes to telling a good story. There's a story here, but it's a bit too "by the books." The band meets, finds success and... well, if you've seen any number of "group based" movies you sort of know where it goes from there. The core problem is the lack of any real emotion. There's a lot of really interesting stuff going on, but its just sort of there. It's enjoyable, but fails to find the true heart of the story.
Again, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning do their best with what they have and turn in excellent performances. I'm typically not a fan of Stewart, but she manages to pump a bit of honesty into the role. While the film lacks soul, she manages to get something out of the character. Of course, having Joan Jett on the set to work with was probably a big help, but as she explains in the short "Making of..." featurette, playing Joan Jett is more about raw energy and being herself. As for Fanning, well, let's just say this is a side of her we've yet to see in a film. She's confident and tough, but with a weak side that only becomes weaker as her vices and baggage begin to drag her down. Had Sigismondi played off the actresses' performances more than she does, the film more than likely would have found what it's missing.
The Runaways presents a bit of an "issue" for the Blu-ray format. The transfer is great, though most of the film is shot with a grainy, washed-out look. Although the film looks great and carries a look that fits well with the group's rebellious streak, it doesn't exactly scream, "Must see in HD!" I personally liked how the Blu-ray looked, but I'm also the type to keep my black levels sharp and colors inky.
The real reason you want to see The Runaways on Blu-ray is the audio. Though some of the dialogue can get lost, the movie's soundtrack is amazing and helps add some bit of spark to the story. I did, however, have to watch with my hand on the volume. Music comes in loud and crisp while dialogue comes in a bit low, so there are some slight balance issues. A few times I had to make slight one or two spot volume adjustments just to even things out.
In addition to the already mentioned "Making of..." featurette ("Plugged In"), The Runaways features audio commentary with Joan Jett, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. I wasn't overly impressed by the track, but at the same time, I really enjoy listening to people talk about movies focusing on their lives. There's also Sony's MovieIQ and BD-Live features, though I found little interest in either.
The Runaways isn't the next big music biopic, nor is it something to completely ignore. The music is great, performances even better, and the focus is interesting. If The Runaways was able to find it's core, it would be a hands-down must buy. As it is, The Runaways is a great rental and a must see.
