66
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreIt’s no surprise that the story of rock’s original female badass makes for a gritty, inspiring documentary.
- 80Film ThreatFilm ThreatThe film captured why Joan Jett is amazing not only as a musician but also as a human being.
- 80Los Angeles TimesNoel MurrayLos Angeles TimesNoel MurrayThe movie balances electrifying archival footage with useful contextual cultural analysis.
- 70Film Journal InternationalStephen WhittyFilm Journal InternationalStephen Whittyalthough it’s far too fannish—this is not a movie that wants to dig deep into anything uncomfortable—it does give the rocker her props, while reminding fans of some modern rock history.
- 70The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe New York TimesGlenn KennyThe movie chronicles music industry tales of glory and failure. These are dishy, but more interesting is Ms. Jett’s rock ‘n’ roll heart. The stories of how she mentored younger bands are moving.
- 63The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerWe learn a little about Jett’s activism, and hardly anything about her personal life.
- 60L.A. WeeklyApril WolfeL.A. WeeklyApril WolfeBad Reputation comes off more as a fanboy’s declaration of reverence to the queen rather than an interrogation of one of the most iconic women in music.
- 50Slant MagazineJake ColeSlant MagazineJake ColeThe documentary often struggles to extract deeper thoughts from its subject about her wild career as a pioneering rock feminist.
- 50RogerEbert.comBrian TallericoRogerEbert.comBrian TallericoJoan Jett deserves a great rock doc. This isn't it.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeDespite ample access to its subject and testimonials from both Jett's contemporaries and the younger stars she inspired, the film is a disappointment, and has limited value for viewers hoping to experience (or relive) the years in which Jett proved a woman could rock as hard as the boys.