Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Stellead Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Kidskycom It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

sol- Recruited for what would become a pioneer all-female hard rock band in the 1970s, two teenagers have to contend with whether to promote their music or sex appeal as per the wishes of their eccentric music producer in this film based on the true experiences of the title band that propelled Joan Jett to fame. The film is based on the memoirs of the band's lead singer, Cherie Currie, and the film is mostly spent on the dynamics and rising tensions between Joan and Cherrie, with Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart both convincing in the respective roles. Fanning has some particularly good moments towards the end as all the fame gets to her head and a final conversation between the pair provides a perfect note for the film to end on. In order to focus on these two big personalities, the film uncomfortably ignores the other three members of the band though, all of whom are so lightly developed that they remain completely interchangeable throughout. The fact that Cherie's family background gets such a large focus over Joan's when they are equal protagonists does not quite sit well either. Never to mind, the film is well paced enough that there is rarely a dull moment with Michael Shannon stealing every scene he is in as the band's off-the-wall producer with the craziest twinkle in his eye as he gets them to practise playing while food is thrown at them (!) and as he keeps going on about all negative publicity being good. There is also a lot to like about the girls' determination to succeed in a traditionally all-male industry no matter what it takes.

denis888 Oh yeah, it is a way too difficult to film biopics about real rock bands. If the members are still alive, they can meddle in the process, send a scathing review after the film is made, or ask to be withdrawn from the script altogether if they fear their part in a given movie would be not so good. Or even the time limits of a film, even if the band in question, The Runaways, exited for not so many years, still, many many key events have to be omitted or so heavily shortened that any fan will end up scratching their head and asking whether it was what they wanted to see. Mind you, this version is not bad at all, as a musician myself, I must admit that the rehearsal process and backstage routine are depicted admirably well, and the whole grudge of a song learning, sound check, and pre-gig booze is here at an excellent realistic swap. Still, the short timing of the movie leaves much off the camera, and the whole thing seems a bit too rushed and sometimes ruined. The main actors do their part well, Kristin Stewart as Joan Jett is surprisingly decent, dark, menacing, self-destructive and deep. Dakota Fanning as Cherry Curie is another winner, with her blonde angelic looks and wild persona. The rest is a bit dubious. Kim Fowley? Was he that weird and queer? Lita Ford? She is present, but her fiery guitar and her fiery persona are shown so briefly and little, that one can only feel shame. The bassist? Her name? Poor dear, she never even uttered a word. Sandy, the drummer? She is cool at the offset, but then she is somehow lost in a mire. The rushes ending and vague scenes with bathtub and sea leave us a bit perplexed, and the whole wrap-up is a bit too confusing. Anyway, this is not a bad effort, and yeah, can be watched at least once, even for their sake of beautiful ladies and their long legs. Kidding. The movie is good.

AndrewDavidClark I love this movie, it's one of the best rock biopic's I've seen. I admire the deft touch with which Floria Sigismondi directed this movie. I like this director and hope she makes more movies. The film reminded me of how much I always loved this band, even though I cottoned on to them long after they'd split. Great casting and great performances which really captured the zeitgeist. Moreover, and this is really the most important aspect of the story – it successfully informs the importance of these womens' role in breaking down barriers and expectations of women in rock music and really paved the way for the female rock musicians that came after. And let's not forget Kim Fowley's insight and vision that played a big part in that. Rogue perhaps but this guy had a feel for true grit.This movie made me remember why I fell in love with Lita, Joan and Cherie in the first place. And the actors that played them couldn't have done a better job. Kristen and Dakota are exemplary. Special mention for art direction, costume and make-up and great cinematography.

anessa-gant I loved this movie, it made me feel like I was there in the 70's. I knew about the runaways and Cherie's book but I knew the most about Joan Jett and I couldn't think of a better Joan than Kristen Stewart she is a bad ass just like Joan. In Cherie's book she comes off as innocent at first than she gets raped and then everything changes. The movie was different and I'm glad I couldn't imagine the movie showing all the graphic things that happened to Cherie. The movie was already rated R so showing the things described in the book wouldn't be good. The movie is captivating from the beginning when the blood hits the pavement until the end when the credits roll. Even with all my knowledge of the band the movie made me feel like I know them and I was there going through all the emotions with them. The movie was perfectly cast and executed my only complaint is that it wasn't longer I wanted to spend more time in this world with these people. Defiantly one of my favorite movies!