The Runaways

When I first saw pictures of Kristen Stewart running down a street, dressed head to toe in leather, her glossy brown 'Bella' locks replaced with a jet black mullet-esque style, I was somewhat shocked. But it me amused nonetheless! What could she be working on? The proof was right there in the photos, in the shape of Joan Jett. Stewart was portraying Jett in The Runaways, a biographical film about the 1970s all girl rock band of the same name. To add to my interest, not longer after I saw the Stewart photos, some stills of Dakota Fanning appeared online, dressed in a denim jumpsuit! When the film had finally been made and the trailer was released, with Fanning as Cherie Currie in stockings and 'that' corset, blasting out Cherrybomb, I decided right then and there that I would love this film.

Of course I knew of Joan Jett, and of her music, but I admit that The Runaways eluded me; I didn't really know much about them at all, which doesn't really matter as that is the point in the film, to show people where it all started for Jett and how The Runaways made waves in the music industry. The screenplay was based on Currie's book, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway. Therefore the film depicts the formation of the band and focuses on the relationship between Jett and Currie, until the latter's departure from the band.

What I like about The Runaways is that it has a steady pace, and it has a lot to say without being too in-your-face; it is compulsive viewing which I love, sort of like a Sofia Coppola film. It is also interesting to watch just for the 70s fashion! I love Stewart and Fanning, and in this film Stewart has the perfect role. Her portrayal of Jett is spot on, as she is shy and awkward but still has that magnetic personality that makes you just want to watch her. But as good as she is, this film is definitely Fanning's film. It's quite a shock to see an actress who the world has seen as a cute child actor, take on such a daring role as this one. Fanning starts off as a young naive girl, who gets whipped up into the world of sex, drugs and rock and roll, and then spirals out of control as the lead singer of The Runaways.

THE TOURIST

Thought I'd do a quick post about this film as I've now watched it twice, last night with my boyfriend after he said he wanted to see it. It's released on dvd and blu ray on the 18th of next month and it's one to add to my blu ray collection- not just because of Johnny Depp- who is fantastic as always, charming and funny, or the lovely dresses that Angelina Jolie wears, or the romantic setting of Venice, it's just a witty, clever film that keep you interested from the word go.

I don't want to say too much and spoil it but let's just say that the second time you watch it is just as much as a treat as the first time you see it. It's full of twists and turns, you're rooting for Franka (JDepp) the whole way as he gets caught up with Elise (AJolie) even if you do feel a bit sorry for struggling for the British Inspector (PBettany) who is trying to catch notorious thief Alexander (Jolie's mysterious rich other half.) It's funny- Depp adds to this, but so does Bettany and Jolie is fab too she sort of balances it all out and keeps it all running as smooth as a creamy Baileys.

It's kick ass, you've got Depp for the ladies and Jolie for the blokes, Bettany is in there for good measure as well and RSewell. And it's all set in Venice with high speed boat chases, a few gangsters and plenty of guns. There's something for everyone!

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

Last night we went to see the Adjustment Bureau with EBlunt and MDamon- brilliant film following the path of adjustment and chance laid out for Damon's character David Norris who finds the girl of his dreams in Elise (Blunt) only to be told that she's not the woman he ends up with in 'the plan'. Men in hats, agents, these representatives of the plan that is laid out for you, written and rewritten so that your life pans out exactly as it should let Damon in on this secret only to be told that he cannot ever reveal them and that he cannot be with Elise.

It's compelling, funny, witty, almost like a version of City of Angels that is a bit more kick ass and doesn't have NCage moping about after MRyan. Instead you've got Matt Damon (whose character in this film is nothing like Jason Bourne- don't know why there has been this similarity imposed- he's more down to earth, less like a shooting machine and more like a nice bloke) and the lovely Emily Blunt with a sort of slight american accent coming through especially while she's on the phone to her ex who plays dancer and love interest Elise in this contemporary story of true love against any obstacle. It's not really mushy, but it's sweet and determined and you get some action thrown in there as well- I noticed the showing had a higher percentage of guys than girls- maybe because they thought it was just going to be another Bourne-esque film. HA.

It has been likened to Inception- the only thing I would say on this is the similarities lie in that there is a sort of parallel reality running next to the real world and what Damon and Blunt's characters perceive as being complete free will is tampered with somewhat. In relation to Inception there is the sort of surreal element to it, but nowhere near the scale of complexity that Inception depicts. The idea of the Adjustment Bureau is not scary or intrusive like I thought it might be and like the posters show- shadows wearing hats looming over them as they run for their freedom, it's nothing like the Island or the Matrix, but rather like agents will give people a little nudge if things aren't going according to plan.

Definitely a steal on an Orange Wednesday- my boyfriend and I both saw a fab film for under £6 (student discount) but I'm definitely ordering it on blu ray when it comes out.