The Runaways
The Runaways Image
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Metascore
65 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

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  • Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart, Michael Shannon
  • Summary: The film follows two friends, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. Joan and Cherie fall under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley, played by Michael Shannon, who turns the group into an outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself—and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock 'n' roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, the film chronicles Joan and Cherie's tumultuous relationship on and off stage, as the band starts to break out. (Apparition)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    88
    A rich and surprisingly old-fashioned musical biopic, The Runaways has neither the bloat nor the blather of your average Hollywood treatment of stars on the rise.
  2. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Stephanie Zacharek
    80
    The best rock 'n' roll movies are less about strict authenticity than about capturing a vibe. And The Runaways gets the vibe just right, from its opening shot.
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    Its interest comes from Shannon's fierce and sadistic training scenes as Kim Fowley, and from the intrinsic qualities of the performances by Stewart and Fanning, who bring more to their characters than the script provides.
  4. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    60
    Fanning's Currie grabs the spotlight immediately, and never lets go.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. Daphne
    10
    This movie kicks ass and takes my favorite so far this year. The music is awesome, great performances by the cast and it makes me wanna be a rockstar! Watch this movie :O)… Collapse
  2. josee
    8
    The best thing about this film were the performances. Dakota Fanning was brilliant. This is the type of performance that will be talked about for years. Stewart was also very good as was Shannon. Overall, very entertaining. Flawed but entertaining. See it. Trust me. You'll like it. Maybe even love it.… Expand
  3. AlejandroC.
    5
    Story was told so by the book and this movie might set a record for montages (1st time film director worked primarily as a music video director) I can't complain about actresses b/c they never seemed to be given a chance to act. Kristen seemed pretty cool as Joan Jett. I don't know....maybe the Runaways story wasn't a movie? But I can't help but think that this in the hands of say, Paul Thomas Anderson would have had potential to be great.… Expand
  4. AdamT.
    0
    The Worst Movie I have ever seen. Horrible cast, And their music sucks. Kristen Stewart was not the right actress for this role. Her movies even suck.… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

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