Talking about 'Edgeplay', it's a two-edged sword! I'd like to start with what I disliked: 1) the camera work. Can't the guy hold still for a minute? Shaking the camera up and down and sideways maybe nice for 5 minutes of MTV interviews, but using that style for a 110 minutes documentary is nerve-wracking. 2) A documentary about a band without playing one song of their own material? Must be a first time. Instead, we get stuff from Suzi Quatro and Lita Ford's solo albums in the background. 3) Naturally, the absence of Joan Jett is a big problem. She wants to make her own Runaways picture in 2009, maybe after that we'll get a more complete view of the story.I'm glad I took the time to watch 'Edgeplay', nevertheless. Especially Cherie has many interesting things to say (and yes, she looks better now than back then). I liked that they interviewed the mothers of Cherie and Sandy as well - understandably, they must have been afraid of what was going on with their daughters far away from home, and nobody every talks about things like that because it's not 'cool' or some stupid reason like that. The picture 'Edgeplay' paints of Lita Ford doesn't omit the dark sides, apparently she is not famous for her patience and self-control. Watching Sandy (the last opportunity before her untimely demise) is touching. Alright, so 'Edgeplay' is interesting for fans to know more about the unique band, but it leaves many viewers unsatisfied, I guess.

"'Jail bait' rockers The Runaways tell their own tale -- their hopes, dreams and eventual implosion due to incessant media hectoring, infighting among the band members and chronic drug use. Directed by Victory Tischler-Blue, the film shows what it was like for six teenage girls to gain notoriety in an era hostile to female musicians. Includes live performances, a special appearance by Suzi Quatro and new songs by Quatro and Lita Ford."Note the most important line in this review from Netflix: "shows what it was like for six teenage girls to gain notoriety in an era hostile to female musicians." Finally, someone who is telling it like it was. That's it in a nutshell. Thank God (some of) those times have changed... on second thought, have they? The whole new crop of girls have probably gone through exactly the same thing. Christina Aquilera, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Rhianna, what's the difference, really? Some things never change. And worst of all, we do it to ourselves. We imprison OURSELVES. We buy in to the promise of "fame and fortune," and to "be somebody." That's all it takes for the devils of the world - the Kim Fowley's of the world - to capture one's soul and "make them mine." Fowley was their notorious manager who practically destroyed these girls, stole their money, hearts and soul... yet these girls have somehow managed to survive. Bravo to them for telling their true tale even at this late date. The truth will set you free!Pretty incredible film. Glad I never got trapped; at least not in that world. I escaped by the skin of my teeth and the Grace of God and all the angels above. Somehow I made a slightly different choice and somehow survived. All it took was "NO" at the moment of truth, the moment of commitment, and the Devil had no hold. And then some pretty fast running! Hahahahahah to all the Kim Fowleys of the world - and a big middle finger holding straight up!Ten stars for this film, and the women themselves have my GREATEST ADMIRATION. Bravo to you ALL!

Let me be honest before expressing my thoughts publicly: Not only was I a big fan of "The Runaways", but I had the opportunity to meet Sandy West and Joan Jett and Kim Fowley on my first trek out to Los Angeles, California in the 80's and working with musicians who worked with ... each other. So my views many read a bit biased - but I am a fan first above all else.Let me point out what is very important to all who ever see this documentary - is that "The Runaways" were, are and always will be -the first female rock band that garnered attention and pricked up the music business ears that females can have a band, can ROCK and are well trained to do so.When the Go-Go's and The Bangles came out, I am sorry, I always saw them as second best and in the case of musicianship - very manufactured. The Runaways rocked and that was so important to open the doors to other female musicians that followed after them and did the same.This documentary gets into documenting 'The Runaways' and what they went through in five years. Although at times in the film I felt they held back on much that I remember happening to them at the time that they did not wish to get into, they went through enough to let you know. I am extremely proud of Vicki Blue (yeah, I know!)doing this project BEFORE others who may have more more money or other ambitions get hold of these ladies lives and do it. This is the keeper.The Runaways were SO ahead of their time. Each of them...and as a group. It is stated that "someone has to be first" and in doing so "doesn't get the recognition they deserve". I hope this documentary spurs new dialog and recognition about them. The Runaways are a triumph and a tragedy and this documentary gives you pause to think about each of it. And you should.These are a talented group of women who were brought together for a nice idea and got abused all the way. As a teen, you only want to do what is best...and for many of them it was the music. Here you learn just how much goes into this and what seeps in to push and break personalities, egos, mental health, family, residuals, sexual health, etc. in this entertainment industry.These ladies need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before anyone else (Hear me, Jan?!?!?!)that is the least that should be done. Next, this documentary should be nominated for an Academy Award. The RAW techniques in film documentaries are here, and it places a document of a time, a place and lives that HAS happened. Raw emotion, raw nerves and even the "forgetting" of memories. This is a clean documentary done in the "old fashioned way" -- as a documentary.A reunion tour? Well, that is quite clearly up to each of these ladies. It's their decision to do it...and WHAT they would do it for. Could be the greatest thing on earth...and then, could be a major faux pas in this day and time for promoters, et al. because of the past feelings, etc. It's all be up to them. But these women should be very smart by now and know whats coming before they get into it.Regardless, this documentary is the one to see and get an understanding. Bless them all.

I missed the original airing of this on Showtime, so I checked it out on Showtime on demand. I was pretty young when the Runaways had their climb to success and subsequent fall. But when I was old enough I picked up the records at a local record shop. Novelty or not, I loved the music.Because of my love of the music, I looked forward to this movie. The story of the Runaways is a classic rock and roll soap opera, a story worth telling. Unfortunately, Victory Tischler-Blue, once known as Vicki Blue one of the bassists for the Runaways, was not the right person to tell it. At least, this movie leads me to that conclusion. Edgeplay tells us more about the dangers of digital video editing software in the wrong hands than it does about the Runaways. Tischler-Blue's editing leaves much to be desired. In more than one interview she leaves in the interviewers asides. In an apparent attempt at comedy we get to hear Lita Ford announce that she has to pee. Jackie Fox asks if they can take a break but the camera keeps rolling and the awkwardness she hoped to avoid still makes it to screen. Tischler-Blue also fails to make the decisions that would keep her movie from dragging on and save us from needless repetition. She approaches the film in a way that might work on an episode of the Real World or Maury Povich, complete with cheesy cut scenes and b-roll footage, but not in a serious documentary.Joan Jett does not contribute to this movie. This has made her an easy target for critics and viewers looking for an explanation for the film's short comings. But after seeing this movie I am certain that, whatever her reasons, Jett made the right decisions. Maybe someday we will get to see a documentary where she contributes.