Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways (2004)

Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways
2004
Documentary
Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Curry

I figured it was about time I watch a documentary, so I decided on Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways. The Runaways were an all girl rock group in the late 70s and early 80s, featring Joan Jett and Lita Ford among others. There is a new movie coming out called The Runaways about the band starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, so I figured I might as well learn more about this band before I see that movie. I should preface this review with saying that I was alread a fan of their music before watching this documentary. The story of the band is actually pretty interesting. Most of the girls were only 15 or 16 when they got together to form the band, and weren't much older than that when they first became popular. Sometimes they are referred to as "jailbait rockers" which is probably a pretty acurate term considering their age and the provocative clothing worn by lead singer Cherie Curry. You learn a lot about them in the documentary, how much they didn't really like each other, how much their manager abused all of them, and what utlimately led to several of the members leaving the band. Or how their first big hit "Cherry Bomb" was written in about 15 minutes as a song for singer Cherie Curry to audition for the band with.

Technically, this isn't really a good documentary at all. It is almost entirely shaky camera interviews and blurry old concert footage, and barely any music. There are not old interviews, or live appearances. All of the members give new interviews except for Joan Jett who does not appear in the documentary at all. The documentary was also made by the band's second bassist Vicki Blue, which annoyed me a little, because I know her personal invovlement greatly affected the end product.

If you are excited to see the new scripted Runaways movie check this out first. You can learn the "true story" before seeing the retelling of it. Or watch this if you feel like watching a documentary about the rise and fall of a rock and roll group,and Behind the Music isn't on. I suggest checking out their first album, "The Runaways" too, it is my favorite by them.

3 out of 5 Stars

Here is a fan made video of The Runaways featuring my favorite song by them "Dead End Justice"



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