Nobody involved in or with the seminal 1970s hard rock group the Runaways has the same story or can agree on anything. This documentary, filmed by Victory Tischler-Blue, herself a Runaways bassist from 1977-1978, catches the insecurity of the band members now (interviewed separately) as they somewhat trepidatiously dig up the past. Why not bring everyone together in the same room and let them hash things out among themselves? Founding member Joan Jett is only seen in archival footage (much of it lifted from a television special chronicling the band's 1977 tour of Japan); Jett wanted no part of this endeavor and, indeed, would not consent to her music being used. One might think Jett, the most successful member of the band, would have at least two cents' worth of an opinion here, but apparently she was holding out for a dramatized Runaways movie (which came to pass in 2010). Members Cherie Currie (lead vocals), Lita Ford (lead guitar), Jackie Fox (bass), Sandy West (drums, now deceased) and manager Kim Fowley recall a few of the messier incidents in the band's history--and yet, in almost polite terms. Everyone is being very careful what they say. Perhaps the shadow of Jett was looming large on the project, causing the others to duck and cover. ** from ****
Review of Edgeplay
Edgeplay
(2004)
25 years after the Runaways split up--and the complaints keep coming...
19 August 2015