Bad Reputation

Kevin Kerslake's 2018 documentary follows Joan Jett's career from The Runaways years to the present. Told at fifteen that the guitar was not for girls, Jett made room for herself in rock first with The Runaways and then with the Blackhearts, formed with Kenny Laguna. The documentary tells that path chronologically. Its most valuable section describes Jett and Laguna founding their own label after no record company would take the I Love Rock 'n' Roll album; starting an independent label was an unusual idea at the time. The film's limit is not going far enough into the breakup of The Runaways and the allegations of abuse within the band. Debbie Harry, Billie Joe Armstrong and Miley Cyrus give testimony. Who it's for: viewers interested in rock history, the struggle of women musicians and the punk generation. Who it's not for: anyone wanting a critical portrait, or tired of the chronological music documentary template.