The Runaways Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two girls, one with a guitar and the other with a severe case of Bowie-envy, team up with a sleazy dude to become rock stars, then promptly ruin their lives with drugs and infighting… mostly.

🍿 The Runaways: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Formation of The Runaways

In 1975, Joan Jett, a determined teen guitarist, seeks to form an all-girl rock band in Los Angeles. She encounters the controversial music producer Kim Fowley, who agrees to help her find band members. Fowley emphasizes the need for a captivating lead singer and a raw, rebellious image.

Cherie Currie Joins the Band

Fowley and Jett discover Cherie Currie, a 15-year-old with a striking look reminiscent of David Bowie and Brigitte Bardot. Currie’s raw talent and captivating stage presence make her the perfect frontwoman for The Runaways. The band starts developing its sound, blending punk rock energy with glam rock aesthetics.

Rise to Fame and Internal Conflict

The Runaways quickly gain popularity, fueled by Fowley’s aggressive promotion and their provocative image. They secure a record deal and embark on tours, experiencing the highs and lows of the rock and roll lifestyle. The band navigates the challenges of fame, including drug use, internal conflicts, and the pressures of maintaining their image.

Touring Japan and Cherie’s Breakdown

The Runaways achieve significant success in Japan, where they are treated like rock stars. However, tensions within the band escalate, particularly between Cherie and the other members. Cherie struggles with drug addiction and the constant pressures of performing. The band starts to fracture.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart): A determined and ambitious teenage guitarist who forms The Runaways and drives the band’s musical direction.
• Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning): A vulnerable and troubled teenager who becomes the face of The Runaways, struggling with fame and addiction.
• Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon): The eccentric and manipulative music producer who manages The Runaways, exploiting their youth and talent for his own gain.
• Sandy West (Stella Maeve): The drummer and one of the founding members of the Runaways, dedicated to the band’s success.
• Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton): The lead guitarist for The Runaways, often overshadowed but essential to the band’s rock sound.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kim Fowley: “Dog shit! Urine-stained dog shit! Rock ‘n’ roll is a blood sport, a sport of men.” – Fowley’s aggressive and controversial statement encapsulates his approach to managing the band and challenging the status quo.
• Kim Fowley: “This ain’t women’s lib, kiddies – this 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!” – Kim Fowley tries to explain to the band the raw emotion he wants them to put into their performance.
• Joan Jett: “I want to rock.” – Joan Jett states her ambition simply, showing her singular focus and determination.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,573,673
• Worldwide Gross: $4,681,651

💥 The Runaways Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Joan Jett. She nailed the attitude and the music felt so real. Dakota Fanning also did a great job as Cherie Currie! The movie made me feel nostalgic for a time I never even experienced. The scene where they perform ‘Cherry Bomb’ in Japan was electrifying, and the ending, though bittersweet, left me wanting to listen to The Runaways all day long. I recommend this movie to any fan of rock music.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of rock and roll history”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about female empowerment”
  • “Those who enjoy biographical dramas”
  • “Fans of Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, or Michael Shannon”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content and references”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Underage drinking and smoking”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Stewart embodies Jett with a convincing swagger, while Fanning captures Currie’s vulnerability. While the film treads familiar biopic territory, the performances and raw energy make it a worthwhile ride.
• The New York Times: “The film’s stylistic flair can’t mask the shallow narrative. Shannon delivers a memorable performance, but the script fails to delve deep enough into the band’s complexities, leaving the audience wanting more substance.
• Variety: “Floria Sigismondi’s direction captures the raw energy of the 70s rock scene. Stewart and Fanning deliver captivating performances, making the film a compelling glimpse into the world of The Runaways.

Audience Reactions

Kristen Stewart’s transformation into Joan Jett was spot on, and her dedication to the role was evident in every scene.: The performances of the lead actresses, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, received widespread praise for their accuracy and intensity.

The soundtrack was amazing, bringing back the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the 70s rock scene.: The film’s soundtrack was highly appreciated for its authenticity and its ability to transport viewers back to the 1970s.

Overall Consensus: The Runaways is a well-acted biopic with a killer soundtrack that effectively captures the energy and chaos of the 70s rock scene, though it occasionally suffers from a predictable narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Joan Jett was heavily involved in the film’s production, serving as an executive producer and guiding Kristen Stewart in her portrayal. Stewart even wore one of Jett’s actual guitars during filming.”
• “Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart both performed their own vocals for the film, adding to the authenticity of their performances.”
• “Director Floria Sigismondi is known for her work in music videos, and her visual style brought a unique and energetic feel to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Runaways?

Currently, ‘The Runaways’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for potential streaming options or cable on-demand availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Runaways, you might like these similar films:

• Almost Famous (2000): A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1970s rock music, exploring the life of a teenage journalist on tour with a band.
• Velvet Goldmine (1998): A glam rock-inspired film that delves into the androgynous and rebellious world of 1970s rock stars, exploring themes of identity and fame.
• Sid and Nancy (1986): A raw and tragic depiction of the punk rock scene, focusing on the destructive relationship between Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols and Nancy Spungen.

🛒 The Runaways Related Products

• The Runaways – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Explicit]: This is a digital download of the movie’s soundtrack featuring iconic songs from the era. Perfect to feel the punk rock.
• Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway: Cherie Currie’s tell all book about her years in the runaways. It is uncensored and filled with stories of drugs, under age sex, and pure 70’s punk rock.
• The Runaways Cherry Bomb T-Shirt: Vintage-style graphic t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Cherry Bomb’ single artwork, capturing the band’s rebellious spirit and raw energy. A bold statement piece for true fans.
• Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Greatest Hits [Vinyl]: A vinyl compilation featuring Joan Jett’s greatest hits after The Runaways, showcasing her enduring influence on rock and roll. A must-have for any serious collector.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Runaways features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cherry Bomb” – performed by Dakota Fanning
• “I Love Playing With Fire” – performed by Joan Jett
• “I Wanna Be Your Dog” – performed by The Stooges
• “Roxy Roller” – performed by Nick Gilder
• “Lady Grinning Soul” – performed by David Bowie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Joan Jett – Talks THE RUNAWAYS !

Ever wondered what Joan Jett *really* thought about the movie about her band? Check out this interview where she spills the beans on ‘The Runaways’ – her perspective is super interesting!

The Runaways – Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning Interview

See Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning talk about portraying rock legends! Their insights into becoming Joan Jett and Cherie Currie are pretty cool – definitely worth a watch!

Dakota Fanning on ‘I Am Sam’, The Runaways, and High School Experiences | Screen Tests | W Magazine

Find out what Dakota Fanning thinks about ‘The Runaways’ and her other roles! It’s interesting to hear her talk about balancing acting with, like, *normal* high school life.

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