Mjeteconer Just perfect...

Claysaba Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Console best movie i've ever seen.

Geraldine The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

bmeister The Runaways 2010 movie is somewhat entertaining, but it is just that, a Hollywood movie. It takes tons of liberties with the truth, focuses on the lives of Cherie and Joan, creates aggregate characters, and leaves out some pertinent components of the Runaways history. It is a movie based on the Runaways, it is not the story of the Runaways.The documentary Edgeplay, by latter day Runaways bassist Vicki Blue, is essential viewing, but be forewarned, this is not some bloated rock star bragging about how many chicks he laid and how many drugs he took. Today's youth likes to talk about "being real", this is as real and raw as it gets, and it is mind-bending.The most riveting segment is the interview with Sandy West. West is driven upon release from a prison term by Fox to a location where she is interviewed by Blue. She's not fully stable, perhaps even a bit disoriented she asks for permission to smoke a cigarette, becomes emotional in discussing the demise of the Runaways and her own life after the band, and discloses elements of a harrowing criminal life, till she finally breaks down saying "I just wanted to be a drummer in a rock band." The emotional intensity is off the charts. The camera zooms in and the deep lines in her face reflect the harshness of the life she has lived.At times, the participants ask for the camera to stop rolling, but it appears the camera continues to roll a bit. Currie, Williams (West's mom), and West all had remorse about some of what they disclosed during the taping of the movie and tried to appeal to Blue to not include certain content, so much so that West showed up at Blue's house one night high out of her mind with a gun and a thug accomplice in an attempt to get the tape back from Blue, the LAPD with police helicopters removed West, Blue didn't press charges against West, Blue fled L.A. in lived out in the desert out of fear.The only Runaway interviewed that does not appear to have not suffered emotional damage is Ford. However, in the past couple years (after this movie was made), Ford's life has taken a bizarre twist and a whole movie could be made just about that.I cannot overstate how compelling (and disturbing) I found this movie. I've watched it several times, it is so brutal and honest, people disclosing sins and discussing things one would expect them to take to the grave. I can understand why some, such as Joan Jett, refused to participate in the movie due to it's Springer-like qualities at times. However, on Springer, the participants are instructed to act up for the cameras, none of the participants in Edgeplay were encouraged to ham it up for the camera, which is why it is so scary. The circumstances surrounding the making of this movie and the years it took for the film to come to light is a story unto itself. I generally disdain rock band reunions, find them almost pathetic, but I think the Runaways situation is an exception, and it would be in their best interest to reunite, although Sandy is unfortunately no longer alive. With the renewed interest in the Runaways in the aftermath of Edgeplay, the Runaways movie, and Currie's Neon Angel book, history pertaining to how they were received in 70s is being altered a bit, as if the Runaways were a huge commercial success with critical acclaim heaped upon them. But the Runaways were laughed at and treated derisively in more circles than they were admired in during their time. When I revisit their albums today, they are astounding, particularly when considering they were recorded by 16 & 17 year old musicians on limited budgets, and provide a bridge and glimpse into what was approaching on the music scene. Their first two studio albums and Live in Japan were released before the Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bullocks". A reunion (if done correctly) would allow them to stake their claim in rock history they so richly deserve that they were denied in the 70s. Also, the Runaways did not make a lot of money during their initial career, a reunion could bring them a windfall of money, that in all fairness, they deserve. (Although I think they're all multimillionaires now anyway). If it is to happen, it would have to be soon, as the clock is ticking.Sorry for going a bit off track, back to Edgeplay. If you are looking for the traditional trite schlock rockumentary with clips of hit songs and musicians falling all over each gushing with praise, you're not going to find it Edgeplay. There isn't even any Runaways music in it because the rights were withheld (by Jett I believe). I can't think of anything like it I've ever seen for comparison. It is stunning beyond description. I strongly recommend.

lambiepie-2 Let me be honest before expressing my thoughts publicly: Not only was I a big fan of "The Runaways", but I had the opportunity to meet Sandy West and Joan Jett and Kim Fowley on my first trek out to Los Angeles, California in the 80's and working with musicians who worked with ... each other. So my views many read a bit biased - but I am a fan first above all else.Let me point out what is very important to all who ever see this documentary - is that "The Runaways" were, are and always will be -the first female rock band that garnered attention and pricked up the music business ears that females can have a band, can ROCK and are well trained to do so.When the Go-Go's and The Bangles came out, I am sorry, I always saw them as second best and in the case of musicianship - very manufactured. The Runaways rocked and that was so important to open the doors to other female musicians that followed after them and did the same.This documentary gets into documenting 'The Runaways' and what they went through in five years. Although at times in the film I felt they held back on much that I remember happening to them at the time that they did not wish to get into, they went through enough to let you know. I am extremely proud of Vicki Blue (yeah, I know!)doing this project BEFORE others who may have more more money or other ambitions get hold of these ladies lives and do it. This is the keeper.The Runaways were SO ahead of their time. Each of them...and as a group. It is stated that "someone has to be first" and in doing so "doesn't get the recognition they deserve". I hope this documentary spurs new dialog and recognition about them. The Runaways are a triumph and a tragedy and this documentary gives you pause to think about each of it. And you should.These are a talented group of women who were brought together for a nice idea and got abused all the way. As a teen, you only want to do what is best...and for many of them it was the music. Here you learn just how much goes into this and what seeps in to push and break personalities, egos, mental health, family, residuals, sexual health, etc. in this entertainment industry.These ladies need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before anyone else (Hear me, Jan?!?!?!)that is the least that should be done. Next, this documentary should be nominated for an Academy Award. The RAW techniques in film documentaries are here, and it places a document of a time, a place and lives that HAS happened. Raw emotion, raw nerves and even the "forgetting" of memories. This is a clean documentary done in the "old fashioned way" -- as a documentary.A reunion tour? Well, that is quite clearly up to each of these ladies. It's their decision to do it...and WHAT they would do it for. Could be the greatest thing on earth...and then, could be a major faux pas in this day and time for promoters, et al. because of the past feelings, etc. It's all be up to them. But these women should be very smart by now and know whats coming before they get into it.Regardless, this documentary is the one to see and get an understanding. Bless them all.

metalpat I don't even know where to start. I've watched Edgeplay three times in the few days since I got it, and still feel as if I am seeing new, dusty corners in a room I grew-up in.If you are looking for another typical, VH-1 styled look at the fun and excesses of a dysfunctional rock band, this complex film may disappoint you. Edgeplay is not a film intended to excite, gawk, or fawn over it's subjects, and I say subjects rather than "subject" intentionally, as it's a film about people, not about the rock 'n roll lifestyle. There is no whimsy for the joyful free-sex and drugs of the 70's, or any fan-boy enthusiasm for The Runaways as a band.What there is, is an insightful and compassionate look at a tragic and yet stoic group of young women, who made history, without ever receiving any praise, who made great music without ever selling many records, and who paid dearly in many ways for their now legendary status, with a good part of their childhoods.Edgeplay is a documentary about the all-girl hard-rock band The Runaways, who so much like their tour-mates The Ramones, set the next two decades on fire, without getting any of the credit or rewards.Victory Tischler-Blue, the director, writer and conscience of Edgeplay, endured a 6-year trial-by-fire getting this film made and released,(and is a story as compelling as any in her movie), and I think much of the raw honesty and poignancy in this film is in some ways a direct result of that struggle.There is an almost Dickensian cast of characters: A young, Joan Jett-Talented and driven, yet shy and unsure of herself, Cherie Currie-A striking blonde, who never expected to be a singer, and yet, much like Lana Turner sitting at a soda fountain, was chosen to be one, Kim Fowley-A slimy Svengali who unashamedly preyed on very, young girls to make himself rich, and makes no apology, Sandy West-A tomboyish, young drummer who simply loved playing her drums, and wanted no more than to spend her life doing it, Jackie Fox-A doe-eyed bassist who found out earlier than the others that stardom could be an empty trophy cup, Lita Ford-Fiesty, tough, and driven, and Vicky Blue-The bassist who walked into this dysfunctional family in the midst of meltdown, and yet stayed on the outside enough, and more importantly, grew-up enough to make this incredible film.I think Miss Blue, ex-band member and director of Edgeplay, knew something that Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind knew. Mrs. Mitchell once said about the theme of her novel, " I often wondered why some people could rise above great adversity, while others, just as brave and smart, go under. All I know is that my daddy called that quality "gumption". I wanted to write about people that had gumption, and those who didn't". Well whether intentional or not (though I expect it was), that is exactly what Miss Tischler-blue has done here.As most will know, Lita Ford and Joan Jett managed to escape the musical ghetto that was The Runaways, to find great success in the music business. The original bassist is now a successful attorney. Cheri Currie, although never achieving the same level of success, managed to find work in Hollywood for many years, and has continued with a low-profile music and art career. Sandy West, however was plagued with misfortune after her band dissolved, falling into desperately hard times, both financially, and otherwise, and much of this is explored unflinchingly in Edgeplay.This film works on so many levels that I sometimes am awed by it. When you watch it the first time, you see and hear the story of a rock band. When you watch it a second time however, you begin to become absorbed by the enormous differences in these women. All but one of the members, now in middle-age and 25 years away from The Runaways, still carry deep emotional scars from their experiences, that seem to transcend anything that has happened to them since. All but one of them breaks down on camera in a way that's agonizing to watch. Is it really possible to carry resentment from teen-aged slights and squabbles into middle age? Once the women start talking to Miss Blue's camera, you find out that you can indeed.The only one who does not seem affected by her experiences so long ago is Lita Ford, who I found, quite unexpectedly, the most fascinating of all. After 4 decades or so of life, I like to think I know false bravado when I see it, and yet in Lita I saw none. It's amazing to watch her face as she walks back over the same old paths as the others while recounting her experiences, and yet, to her, it was almost like describing a movie she had seen, and enjoyed, but could only partially remember; not because it wasn't exciting, but because, well....it was only a movie. Lita ends-up being Edgeplay's Scarlett O'Hara. The one who had gumption.Of course Joan Jett became a star as well, but we'll never know her thoughts and feelings on things, as she declined to participate in the film. As I understand it, she was violently opposed to the film, it apparently not focusing enough on her, and did everything in her power to crush the film before it could be released. This is utterly mystifying, as her treatment in the film is essentially positive.Edgeplay is, in many ways, the "Clockwork Orange" of rock documentaries. From the dark, sardonic tales of excess and loss-of-innocence, to the startlingly effective and moody camera-work, (which usually annoys me, but here served a real dramatic purpose for a change), this is a film that anyone can get something out of, whether you're a Runaways fan or not.

OffFranklin I never would have thought that the behind the scenes goings on were like what was explained in this film. I always thought that these girls had it made in the shade. My head spun when I listened to Cherie Currie's depiction of life in the Runaways. But what really brought me to tears was Sandy West's struggle in life. She went from from a teen rock star to a life of crime and prison. Why? What happened to her? She was such a great drummer and had so much potential. The ending of this film is so completely unexpected and chilling. It made me cry. It made my blood run cold. I can't recommend this film more. If you love rock and roll - see this film: Edgeplay: a film about the Runaways.Great job Victory!!!!!!!!!!!!