Tag: The Runaways

DVD Releases: February 7, 2011

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Takers

Director: John Luessenhop

Starring: Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Matt Dillon

Eat, Pray, Love

Director: Ryan Murphy

Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem and Richard Jenkins

Charlie St. Cloud

Director: Burr Steers

Starring: Zac Efron, Kim Basinger and Charlie Tahan

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid

Director: Thor Freudentha

Starring: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron and Rachael Harris

Alpha & Omega

Director: Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck

Starring: Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci and Justin Long

The Runaways

Director: Floria Sigismondi

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and Michael Shannon

The Rebound

Director: Bart Freundlich

Starring: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Justin Bartha and Gabrielle Aimée

Just Wright

Director: Sanaa Hamri

Starring: Queen Latifah, Common and Paula Patton

I Spit On Your Grave

Director: Steven R. Monroe

Starring: Daniel Franzese, Sarah Butler and Chad Lindberg

Adrift

Director: Heitor Dhalia

Starring: Vincent Cassel, Camilla Belle and Debora Bloch

Review: The Runaways (2010)

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The Runaways, although heavily advertised around Kristen Stewart’s uncanny resemblance to Joan Jett, centres upon Dakoka Fanning’s turn as Cherie Currie and her sudden rise to fame in the first all-female rock group, The Runaways.

Fanning, now a 16-year-old, embodies the reckless character with sheer determination and passion, distancing herself greatly from her childhood roles in such films as Charlotte’s Web and The Cat In The Hat, whilst cementing her transition from childhood sweetheart to a grown-up, serious actress.

Stewart, with her almost uncanny resemblance to her character, takes on the role of Joan Jett, proving to audiences and critics alike that there’s a lot more to her than weak, moody character of Bella from the Twilight films.

In terms of supporting cast, it has to be noted that Michael Shannon fits the role of Fowley perfectly, verging on the brink of total insanity, while Stella Maeve, Scout Taylor-Compton and Riley Keough all give strong performances as the other members of the band.

Floria Sigismondi displays true potential with her particular style of cinematography and attention-to-detail, framing the action beautifully, illustrating the growth both lead characters experience with a sense of ambiguity, which helps keep the film light-weight, and it’s all the best for it.

The Runaways may not be one of the best biopics ever made, but it gives a fun, electric and gritty glimpse into the lives of a group of five teenagers being rocketed to fame in the first female punk band.

Feature: Top Ten Films Of 2010

Jamie Neish2 Comments

In total I’ve seen a lot of films in 2010, but here are the ten I consider my favourite:

1. The King’s Speech

The King’s Speech is an altogether clever, humorous and emotional film, supported by tremendous performances from it’s central cast. A must see, by all accounts.

2. The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right a fantastic film, exuding charm, wit, love, insecurity and anguish at every appropriate corner. In essence, it’s a film about the struggles of human relationships, and shows a family’s love has the potential to overcome any obstacle.

3. The Social Network

The Social Network is a film that deserves your attention. It’s not only a film about Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook, but also one of morality. One that requires your full attention and questions your beliefs and values;  but also one that rewards you with its passion, attention-to-detail and humourous nature.

4. Another Year

Mike Leigh’s measured, and scarily realistic human nature drama is impossible to dismiss. Leigh’s laid-back approach let’s the characters and on-screen drama speak for itself. The central leads invite you into their lives and take you on a emotionally and wholly real journey through old-age. Lesley Manville, in particular, is breathtaking.

5. Winter’s Bone

Winter’s Bone is a film of true craftsmanship. Haunting, gritty, yet oddly inspiring, featuring a nuanced and captivating performance from newcomer Jennifer Lawrence.

6. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Edgar Wright stepped up his game with this genre-crossing comedy film. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is a zany, mis-construed film that explores deep, poignant ideas, inter-cut with lots of crazy, heart-pounding action scenes, hundred of popular culture nods and hilariously odd performances from its central cast.

7. Toy Story 3

Defying expectations, Toy Story 3 proved sequels can be successful. Directed by the incredibly talented Lee Unkrich, the film manages to be a fitting, touching and honest conclusion to one of the most beloved, and inspiring, franchises of all time.

8. Inception

Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending science fiction, Inception is a singular accomplishment from an extraordinarily talented and game-changing director. It’s a visually stunning, intellectually challenging and emotionally engaging triumph, one that truly exemplifies modern filmmaking.

9. Monsters

Monsters is an incredible achievement in more ways than one, showcasing fine performances, an afflicting narrative, wholly real character interactions and special effects that rival those used on Blockbusters

10. I Am Love

Possibly one of the most overlooked films of the year, I Am Love is an incredibly well shot, acted, portrayed and directed. Tilda Swinton provided a flawless, and incredibly raw performance. One to seek out.

Honourable Mentions:

Easy A, How To Train Your Dragon, Four Lions, Kick-Ass, Piranha, Lebanon, Despicable Me, Bad Lieutenant – Port Of Call: New Orleans, The Runaways, Please Give, Cyrus, Splice, Mary & Max, The Hole, Exit Through The Gift Shop, The Killer Inside Me, The Illusionist, Whip It, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, Somewhere, Dogtooth and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1.