THE RUNAWAYS (B)

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and Michael Shannon

Story: 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)

Rated: R for language, drug use and sexual content - all involving teens

Bottom Line: THE RUNAWAYS are chained to their predictable rise-and-fall storyline – but the filmmakers took what they had to work with and delivered a solidly-acted, vividly-told and energetically-paced rock ballad of a movie. Oh, and listen to the title track ‘Cherry Bomb’. Now, try and get it out of your head (without driving your significant other crazy).