Review: The Runaways

For every "Velvet Goldmine," there's a "Rock Star" waiting in the wings. Writer-director Floria Sigismondi's "The Runaways" falls squarely in the missed-opportunity pile.

Sigismondi's grungy, stylish biopic charts the swift rise and even more rapid decline of teen rock sensations the Runaways, a ragtag band of no-nonsense girls that hung together for four years and, in the original lineup, released just two albums. Like so many influential acts from the '70s, the Runaways' length of existence does not reconcile with their level of influence. Their proto-pop/metal sound can still be heard in modern bands like the Donnas.

Assembled by bipolar Svengali Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon, easily the film's most vibrant asset), the Runaways -- rugged Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart), rebellious guitarist Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton), laid-back drummer Sandy West (Stella Maeve) and lead singer Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) -- wrestle with coming of age amid the hedonistic excess of L.A.'s rock scene.

Review: Pattinson still brooding in 'Remember Me'

In "Remember Me," Robert Pattinson has temporarily stepped away from "Twilight," apparently in search of his "Five Easy Pieces" or "Rebel Without a Cause." When Pattinson's character -- a wayward, rebellious 21-year-old named Tyler Hawkins -- meets who will quickly become his love interest -- a fellow NYU student named Ally (Emilie de Ravin) -- he informs her that his major is "undecided."

"'Bout what?" she responds.

"Everything," he says.

`Alice' still reigns at box office with $34.5M

Alice remains the queen of the box office.

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" took in $34.5 million to remain the No. 1 movie for a third-straight weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The Disney release raised its domestic haul to $265.8 million and its worldwide total to $565.8 million after just three weekends in theaters, a huge result for a film playing in the typically slow month of March.

Cannes-winning director goes for emotion in 'Lola'

Philippine director Brillante Mendoza says he hopes his new movie about two grandmothers will resonate with a broader audience than his dark Cannes-winning crime thriller "Kinatay."

His best director win at the Cannes Film Festival last year earned him fame and a cash prize from the Philippine president, but Mendoza's works are still only shown outside of the commercial film circuit in his home country at informal screenings at schools and universities. His new project, "Lola," is no different, but the independent filmmaker hopes it will touch more people.

"'Lola' is more emotional, so it's more audience-friendly compared to 'Kinatay,'" Mendoza told reporters Sunday on the sidelines of the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival, where "Lola" is a contender for the 4th Asian Film Awards.

Tang premieres new film after reported China ban

Chinese actress Tang Wei returned to the red carpet on Sunday, promoting her first movie since the 2007 Ang Lee spy thriller "Lust, Caution," a politically sensitive production that reportedly prompted officials to ban her in her home country.

Icahn launches hostile bid for all of Lions Gate

Activist shareholder Carl Icahn raised the stakes in his yearlong dispute with Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. on Friday, launching an all-out bid to take over the movie studio following disagreements over its spending.

Demi Moore's Twitter account part of suicide help

Actresses Demi Moore and Nia Vardalos were linked to an online chain of Twitter posts that ultimately led to Florida authorities intervening Friday when an 18-year-old man threatened to commit suicide.

Theater owners say thanks to hitmaker Bruckheimer

Like most people who receive lifetime-achievement awards, Jerry Bruckheimer wants everyone to know he's not finished yet.

Sandra Bullock still poised for successful future

Sandra Bullock reached the pinnacle of her profession on March 7, when she won an Academy Award. Her husband, Jesse James, was by her side. He even teared up when she went on stage to accept the Oscar.

Hollywood and Bollywood join arms to fight piracy

Hollywood and Bollywood linked arms Thursday to fight piracy, with the announcement of a coalition among the Motion Picture Association of America and seven Indian companies to tackle counterfeiting in one of the world's largest film markets.