The Runaways

Featuring Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart and directed by Floria Sigismondi The Runaways film does a great job of getting to the nitty gritty of the rock n roll lifestyle all the while sporting great photographic work.

Opening with a graphic shot of future lead singer Cherie Currie transitioning into womanhood, The Runaways Film makes it clear that it isn't afraid of getting its hands dirty. As band producer Kim Fowley, Michael Shannon relentlessly reminds both the bandmates and the viewers what rock n roll is about, and catchy riffs is not in the top 3.

Kristen Stewart did a surprisingly good job portraying a headstrong Joan Jett, and could be taken very seriously all the way up until a scene featuring her in Jett's signature pink shoulder padded dress jacket. Personally I found Fanning's portrayal of Cherie Currie to be a little too much at times, flickering in and out of believability.

If it wasn't for the thoughtful cinematography, I'm not sure this film would keep as many viewers so interested after an hour in. Benoit Debie can be thanked for some of the gorgeous shots found throughout the film.

Overall The Runaways does a pretty good job bring such a stale subject to life, and any fans of old school Rock n Roll will probably enjoy the refrences and atmosphere.

Ponyo

I recently recieved the film Ponyo via netflix and watched it with a few friends over the weekend.
I've always been a fan of anime films but usually the kind geared more towards older viewers. Ponyo is an animated film much like a Disney movie but in a style made popular by anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Personally I thought it was a gorgeous film with a cute original story. The voicework for the American dub was done by some popular American actors such as Liam Neeson and Tina Fey and even though it was a childs film I loved it.