"Hello World, I'm your Wild Girl, I'm your ch-ch-ch-CH-CH-CH-CH! CHERRY BOMB!" was the song that was absolutely invented for rebellious lead singer of the Runaways: Cherie Currie. Although, we can't help but write our thoughts out about the new movie "The Runaways" without mentioning the excellent documentary Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways, which came out in 2004--it was an opportunity for Cherie Currie, Sandy West (bless Sandy, R.I.P.), Lita Ford and songwriter Kari Krome to talk about their experiences in the band and also with domineering manager and L.A. psych-rock producer and player in his own right: Kim Fowley. In this homage, sans Jett (who refused to appear, or lend songs to the documentary by one-time Runaways bassist Vicki Blue) the point of views from each member painted a stark image of their struggles from when the Runaways became hot, all the way to the band's demise, and how it affected their lives and experiences thereafter.
The new movie (which Joan Jett certainly helped to authenticate by befriending Stewart and laying her past memories on the girl) has already given some truly 'young scene-cred' to a biopic with Hollywood-flare that has been such a long time coming. The story itself is perfect for film; with a story nearly eclipsing itself by the Diane Lane/Laura Dern vehicle for young punk rock awesomeness in "Ladies and Gentlemen: The Fabulous Stains". For sure: young 1970s all-girl female rock band, with Bowie haircuts, and a tour to Japan? Definitely a movie. And, with two talented starlets; most notably Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart playing the young 1970s leads, it's already making an impressive splash for young fans, indie kids, Joan Jett fans, and folks who remember seeing the original cast of girls playing live in their heyday. Centering around the explosive relationship between Currie and Jett this time, as well as their time spent under the thumb of manager Fowley; director and writer Floria Sigismondi's new take should freshen up the perspective from Joan and Currie's point of view as well as giving a looser perspective of the group at that time with a little fun, and a lot of rock n' roll, thrown in. Let the merchandising begin!
The Runaways - band site / blackheart records / movie site
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