- 8
...pungent and quick on its feet, capturing the clubs, the shag-heavy interiors and the Farrah-haired vibe of mid-1970s Los Angeles in look and spirit.
—Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune
- 7
So this isn't an in-depth biopic, even though it's based on Currie's 1989 autobiography. It's more of a quick overview of the creation, rise and fall of the Runaways, with slim character development, no extended dialogue scenes, and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll.
—Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times
- 7
The based-on-a-true-story, rock-star arc is entirely predictable, but the lead performances, along with Michael Shannon as eccentric mentor Kim Fowley, elevate the antics above average.
—Luke Y. Thompson E!
- 7
...bursts with energy, youth, excess, female empowerment, sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. It's an instant hit worldwide with its cast of young stars, but is it any good? Surprisingly, yes. It just must be met on its own terms.
—Kirk Honeycutt Hollywood Reporter
- 7
Overall, The Runaways is more arty than eye-opening. Time and place are potently depicted, down to the glittery eye shadow, Farrah Fawcett 'dos and stacked platform heels. The mood captures the glitter rock and burgeoning punk scene in Los Angeles.
—Claudia Puig USA Today
- 7
The script lacks substance, but the actresses deliver on style, with the tense Stewart showing some oomph as Jett.
—Alynda Wheat People
- 6
...proves a conventionally enjoyable making-and-breaking-of-the-band saga.
—Dennis Harvey Variety
- 6
Before VH1-style unmaking-of-the-band clichés undo it, this rockpic boasts a pair of live-wire performances and some pioneering same-sex passion.
—Bill Weber Slant Magazine
- 6
...a highly watchable if mostly run-of-the-mill group biopic...
—Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly
- 6
...the film stays too narrowly focused on the Valley blond recruited for her golden locks and hot bod as much as her pipes.
—Betsy Sharkey Los Angeles Times
- 6
The result is a walk on the wimp side.
—Peter Travers Rolling Stone
- 6
The movie may be a little too tame in the end, but at its best it is just wild enough.
—A. O. Scott New York Times
- 6
...an entertaining but routine rock flick...
—Kyle Smith New York Post
- 5
It's sexy, but, in the end, skin-deep.
—Karina Longworth LA Weekly
- 5
It's sexy, but, in the end, skin-deep.
—Karina Longworth Village Voice
- 5
...as filled with softcore underage lesbian sex as it is with rock-movie clichés...
—Nathan Rabin Onion AV Club