Light of Day (1987) review

Joe (Michael J. Fox) and his sister Patti (Joan Jett) play in a rock band called "The Barbusters" (they should have workshopped the name) but they're not finding much success and Patti can't straighten her personal life out: she steals an expensive set of tools, is a terrible guardian for her only son Benji (Billy L. Sullivan), fights with her mother Jeanette (Gena Rowlands) over religion and then leaves to join metal group The Hunzz.  You'd think casting the "Godmother of Punk" in her feature film debut would make this would be a more raucous and exciting affair, except it isn't: the few minutes where live music is being played are entertaining, but the vast majority of it is a glorified soap opera involving domestic issues, and Schrader can't resist shoehorning in conversations regarding "faith," especially when Jeanette is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and on her deathbed (which is intended to be poignant, but feels hollow).  There's a solid idea in here about trying to "find fame" as a blue-collar outfit from Cleveland, and yet it goes in a different direction.  Feel free to put on a Runaways record after watching this to cleanse your palate.