Bad Reputation

This lively documentary tells the story of Joan Jett, the iconic, trailblazing rock star who is known for barnstorming anthems like I Love Rock 'n' Roll. Filled with archive footage and old photos, it covers all the key events in Jett's career, from co-founding the Runaways (the first successful all-female rock group) to her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The film also includes glowing interviews with the likes of Iggy Pop, Kristen Stewart (who played Jett in a biopic about the Runaways) and Debbie Harry. Happily, though, most of the talking is done by Jett herself, who is passionate, likeable, and admirably defiant. "Tell me I can't do something," she says, "and you'll make sure I'm gonna be doing it." Bad Reputation isn't especially insightful or revealing, but it is a must-see if you like Jett or her music.