It's hard to believe that this cult classic from 1995 is nearly three decades old. While elements of the film have stood the test of time (including one of the best film soundtracks to ever be made), there are bittersweet reminders here that the world that Empire Records depicts no longer exists. For those who were around in the 1990's, this often poignant movie will hit your nostalgic sweet spot, making you yearn for yesteryears. Yet, sentimentality aside, Empire Records presents a romanticized view of retail life as we once knew it. The fact the film takes place in a record store (which have sadly become extinct - for the most part) and only a few other locations are shown, the movie possesses a theatre-like charm. At times, you can't help but wonder if Empire Records should really be adapted for the stage (hey, there's a musical in there somewhere). The cast is attractive and clever, tossing witticisms left and right in a style reminiscent of Dorothy Parker. Everyone here has something smart or sassy to say. It's only when the film tries to go deep emotionally that things feel more maudlin than they need to. Fortunately, director Allan Moyle (there should be no surprise that he also directed two other cult favorites, Pump Up the Volume and Times Square among others) knows exactly when to lighten the mood with comedic bits that would fit in well on any sitcom of the era (hello, Friends). Some of the actors here went on to huge cinematic success, including Renee Zellweger in a fantastic early-in-her-career performance. On that note, we need her version of the song Sugar High to finally get the record release it deserves. Her performance of it (albeit it's less than two minutes on screen) is alone worth watching the film for. That and a look back at a time where young people had cool jobs in cool places and listened to really, really cool music - on vinyl, even.
316 Reviews
I do not regret the things I've done, but those I did not do.
hitchcockthelegend2 May 2011
Empire Records is directed by Allan Moyle and written by Carol Heikkinen. It stars, Anthony LaPaglia, Maxwell Caulfield, Debi Mazar, Johnny Whitworth, Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, Rory Cochrane, Robin Tunney & Ethan Embry. Plot centre's on one day at independent record store Empire Records. With the store under imminent threat of a take over by a corporate chain, this is no ordinary day. For on the day that the store will be visited by a fading pop star, they are forced to confront their personal issues, and maybe, just maybe, learn something about the people they work with.
The film was a box office failure and was met with mostly negative reviews from the professional critics. Coming as it does from the director of critical/cult darling Pump Up the Volume, many were expecting a better and more hard edged picture than what they got. It also had to compete with certain 80's favourites brought to the cinematic world by John Hughes. While coming fast on the heels of the immensely popular Clerks (94) didn't help its cause either. Was it a case of bad timing? Is the film really just poor? And or, as mooted at the time: a career killer for those involved? Personally I think it's a film that needs revisiting now some 15 odd years after its release. In fact time has actually been kind to it and it now appears to have a good solid cult following. So unless you are judging it against the superior, record shop set, High Fidelity, you may find it's a film that's hard to dislike.
Some of the complaints against it are fair, with the main one about it not having fully developed characters being as true as day is a day. While calling it one long stitched together music video has some substance when taking it at face value. Yet what is there is worthy of a second glance, they are interesting characters, and their respective hang-ups and pressures are evident enough for us to hang our hats on; even if it's set up to be accompanied by still more hipster indie rock music. There's also been much guff written about the film as regards calling it a teen angst film. Yes it is, but have these reviewers forgotten about the adults in the movie? LaPaglia's store owner, the father figure, trying to remain cool as his charges come under threat. Or Mazar, needing a wake up call from her job/career ignorance; and the big one, the delightful Caulfield (splendid bit of casting) as fading pop singer Rex Manning, imposter? Indeed. It's all relative as to why Empire Records deserves more than a once only viewing. As for the music, it does indeed rock, with each track carefully selected to be at one with the scene it accompanies. My favourite? AC/DC-If You Want Blood, a ball busting track for a vibrant and kicking scene.
As for it being a career killing movie? The ladies of the piece have done rather well for themselves, Zellweger, Tunney and Tyler have made their marks in the industry, while Mazar has never been without work prior or post Empire Records. The guys haven't hit the heights of Zellweger and Tyler, which in the case of the excellent Rory Cochrane is not only a surprise, but also sad. Cochrane's Lucas is the key character and the glue in the middle of it all, always on hand with a dry quip or some philosophy, he's also supremely cool. Cochrane can be seen in serious mode leading 2006 thriller Right at Your Door. LaPaglia has always worked since 95, playing a number of different supporting characters, and Embry has appeared in big release's such as Vacancy and Eagle Eye. Caulfield has turned into the go to guy for TV shows and Whitworth, who quit acting for a while, pops up from time to time in minor roles such as in 3:10 To Yuma and The Rainmaker. So, not a career killer then.
Stick it to the Man, Baby, Empire Records is a vibrant and funny movie. 7.5/10
The film was a box office failure and was met with mostly negative reviews from the professional critics. Coming as it does from the director of critical/cult darling Pump Up the Volume, many were expecting a better and more hard edged picture than what they got. It also had to compete with certain 80's favourites brought to the cinematic world by John Hughes. While coming fast on the heels of the immensely popular Clerks (94) didn't help its cause either. Was it a case of bad timing? Is the film really just poor? And or, as mooted at the time: a career killer for those involved? Personally I think it's a film that needs revisiting now some 15 odd years after its release. In fact time has actually been kind to it and it now appears to have a good solid cult following. So unless you are judging it against the superior, record shop set, High Fidelity, you may find it's a film that's hard to dislike.
Some of the complaints against it are fair, with the main one about it not having fully developed characters being as true as day is a day. While calling it one long stitched together music video has some substance when taking it at face value. Yet what is there is worthy of a second glance, they are interesting characters, and their respective hang-ups and pressures are evident enough for us to hang our hats on; even if it's set up to be accompanied by still more hipster indie rock music. There's also been much guff written about the film as regards calling it a teen angst film. Yes it is, but have these reviewers forgotten about the adults in the movie? LaPaglia's store owner, the father figure, trying to remain cool as his charges come under threat. Or Mazar, needing a wake up call from her job/career ignorance; and the big one, the delightful Caulfield (splendid bit of casting) as fading pop singer Rex Manning, imposter? Indeed. It's all relative as to why Empire Records deserves more than a once only viewing. As for the music, it does indeed rock, with each track carefully selected to be at one with the scene it accompanies. My favourite? AC/DC-If You Want Blood, a ball busting track for a vibrant and kicking scene.
As for it being a career killing movie? The ladies of the piece have done rather well for themselves, Zellweger, Tunney and Tyler have made their marks in the industry, while Mazar has never been without work prior or post Empire Records. The guys haven't hit the heights of Zellweger and Tyler, which in the case of the excellent Rory Cochrane is not only a surprise, but also sad. Cochrane's Lucas is the key character and the glue in the middle of it all, always on hand with a dry quip or some philosophy, he's also supremely cool. Cochrane can be seen in serious mode leading 2006 thriller Right at Your Door. LaPaglia has always worked since 95, playing a number of different supporting characters, and Embry has appeared in big release's such as Vacancy and Eagle Eye. Caulfield has turned into the go to guy for TV shows and Whitworth, who quit acting for a while, pops up from time to time in minor roles such as in 3:10 To Yuma and The Rainmaker. So, not a career killer then.
Stick it to the Man, Baby, Empire Records is a vibrant and funny movie. 7.5/10
Deserves to be preserved for its cultural relevance
thefloyd122 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
To say this film brilliantly captures the vibe of the mid 90s is an understatement. It's also a very relevant and fond farewell to independent music, and all things independent, or at least relatively independent. It's easy to get lured into thinking about the plot regarding saving a specific physical music store, but it's an obvious metaphor towards saving something so much greater than that. The death of independent music and culture was well underway, crushed by corporate monopolization. But, for this film to be made 1yr prior to Clinton's 1996 Telecommunications Act is remarkable and only adds to it's legacy and cultural relevance. I particularly liked the final scene when the two guys are talking critically about a band, and the artistic motivation for pursuing a solo career...that's how it was back then. The rich & popular artists were still very connected to their writing...and that sophisticated spirit flowed down to the streets where common citizens would talk about art. I'm estimating American Pie would not have been made if this film didn't exist?
See it twice to appreciate it.....you'll be lukewarm the first time and love it the second time.
Taggarttrains19 December 2001
I love this movie. This movie is the kind of movie I watch movies for (um....did you follow that?). I would make one suggestion, however....watch it twice before you decide if you like it or not. If you're like me you'll probably be lukewarm the first time you see it but like it more each time you see it after that.
The reason for seeing it twice is because the film's strong points become more evident the second (and beyond) time around. Each character is well-defined, with individual traits and idiosynchracies, but this can be lost the first time through because you're trying to follow the story. There is a very strong soundtrack for the movie, but you appreciate it more the second time through, because you better understand how the music applies to the scene. The actors have great chemistry and the character interactions are great. The movie never takes itself very seriously and it's just a lot of fun to watch. You'll find yourself rewinding it to see certain scenes again and again.
I grant you the movie will never win any Academy nominations. The plot is simplistic and the "neat" ending (all problems solved perfectly in just one day) is unrealistic (not that this bothered me....I personally loved the ending....if I want "reality" I'll watch the evening news). Also, trying to follow the storyline tends to take away from the character interaction the first time you see it; hence, the suggestion to see it at least twice. I actually didn't care for it the first time I saw it because I was looking at it strictly story-wise. The second time I saw it I concentrated on the characters and the dialogue(which I loved), and that's when I realized the appeal. If you're into serious movies that reflect real life and real suffering, you'll probably want to pass on this one. However, if you watch movies to have fun and laugh, watch this one. Also, if you like music- especially a moderately wide variety- you'll enjoy it. It's worth your time, but save the beer for the second viewing. "Sugarhigh" is awesome- Well done, Gina! Hot voice.... Oh, and Damn the Man! 9 out of 10.
The reason for seeing it twice is because the film's strong points become more evident the second (and beyond) time around. Each character is well-defined, with individual traits and idiosynchracies, but this can be lost the first time through because you're trying to follow the story. There is a very strong soundtrack for the movie, but you appreciate it more the second time through, because you better understand how the music applies to the scene. The actors have great chemistry and the character interactions are great. The movie never takes itself very seriously and it's just a lot of fun to watch. You'll find yourself rewinding it to see certain scenes again and again.
I grant you the movie will never win any Academy nominations. The plot is simplistic and the "neat" ending (all problems solved perfectly in just one day) is unrealistic (not that this bothered me....I personally loved the ending....if I want "reality" I'll watch the evening news). Also, trying to follow the storyline tends to take away from the character interaction the first time you see it; hence, the suggestion to see it at least twice. I actually didn't care for it the first time I saw it because I was looking at it strictly story-wise. The second time I saw it I concentrated on the characters and the dialogue(which I loved), and that's when I realized the appeal. If you're into serious movies that reflect real life and real suffering, you'll probably want to pass on this one. However, if you watch movies to have fun and laugh, watch this one. Also, if you like music- especially a moderately wide variety- you'll enjoy it. It's worth your time, but save the beer for the second viewing. "Sugarhigh" is awesome- Well done, Gina! Hot voice.... Oh, and Damn the Man! 9 out of 10.
Empire Records — Mostly marginal kids working in a record shop as solace
AvidClimber6 February 2013
Empire Records is funny and slightly offbeat teen movie. A well built one, which each quirky character having a well defined personality, a set of problems, and realistic interactions with each other. Their personas all ring solidly true, each with deep emotional affects. However, not everybody will see themselves represented here, it is but a thin slice of society.
The music is good, the dialogs are interesting just like the story, and it keeps an overall positive tone, although it does talk about some serious issues. It touches each subjects lightly, and keep the focus on the what is happening, on the development of the situation.
You will be entertained, if you're looking for a good adolescent flick.
The music is good, the dialogs are interesting just like the story, and it keeps an overall positive tone, although it does talk about some serious issues. It touches each subjects lightly, and keep the focus on the what is happening, on the development of the situation.
You will be entertained, if you're looking for a good adolescent flick.
One Day in A Record Store With Those Kids...
gavin69423 August 2007
An employee steals the money from a record store's vault, with the hopes of gambling with it in Atlantic City and making it big. He fails, and the next day the store must face the reality: without the money, they will be turned into one of many chain stores where the more laid back approach to selling music just doesn't slide with those in charge. Also, this day features a visit from washed-up pop star Rex Manning.
Directed by the writer and director of "Pump Up The Volume", this film simply is not as good as "Pump Up The Volume". And, sadly, it's also not the best movie about people hanging out in a record store -- "High Fidelity" is a better contender in that category. What this film does excel at is showing a store with way too many employees who do nothing (how can they possibly afford to pay these slackers) and really encapsulating what it was like to live circa 1995 (probably as much or even more so than "Reality Bites").
That is really the only selling point for this film for me. Reminding me of 1995, when music like the Gin Blossoms was cool and people dressed like they were trying to escape the 1980s but didn't know how (and ended up turning to flannel for help). Sure, we have Robin Tunney ("The Craft") and a young Liv Tyler... even Renee Zellweger. All fine actresses, but nothing worth seeing the film for if that's all you want to see.
There's nothing new about the idea of trying to get a store saved from going under (or a school, or a radio station -- see "UHF"). What makes this movie different is that the characters are just, well, weird. They sit around, don't do a lot of work, wander off for no reason, and nobody cares. The store could run more effectively with fewer employees, and the film would probably be tighter if one character was dropped (maybe Ethan Embry).
Warren was by far the most entertaining part of the film for me. His hoodlum antics just made me very amused, and without him this would have been a highly dull film. Do I care about a girl's depression (which is never really explored or resolved) or another girl's acceptance to Harvard (which is barely covered) or a pill addiction (which is dealt with so minorly)? No. I am never given a reason to give half a fig. Each character is so shallow that their shallowness is almost deep in its presentation.
If you need a flashback to 1995, this is a film for you. The music obviously plays a large role in this movie, and the styles will be familiar. But as far as being an outstanding film or a cultural achievement or even a cult classic, I guess I just don't see it. All the hype this film had or has circling around it don't amount to much. But, hype is like that -- almost never delivering on its promises.
Directed by the writer and director of "Pump Up The Volume", this film simply is not as good as "Pump Up The Volume". And, sadly, it's also not the best movie about people hanging out in a record store -- "High Fidelity" is a better contender in that category. What this film does excel at is showing a store with way too many employees who do nothing (how can they possibly afford to pay these slackers) and really encapsulating what it was like to live circa 1995 (probably as much or even more so than "Reality Bites").
That is really the only selling point for this film for me. Reminding me of 1995, when music like the Gin Blossoms was cool and people dressed like they were trying to escape the 1980s but didn't know how (and ended up turning to flannel for help). Sure, we have Robin Tunney ("The Craft") and a young Liv Tyler... even Renee Zellweger. All fine actresses, but nothing worth seeing the film for if that's all you want to see.
There's nothing new about the idea of trying to get a store saved from going under (or a school, or a radio station -- see "UHF"). What makes this movie different is that the characters are just, well, weird. They sit around, don't do a lot of work, wander off for no reason, and nobody cares. The store could run more effectively with fewer employees, and the film would probably be tighter if one character was dropped (maybe Ethan Embry).
Warren was by far the most entertaining part of the film for me. His hoodlum antics just made me very amused, and without him this would have been a highly dull film. Do I care about a girl's depression (which is never really explored or resolved) or another girl's acceptance to Harvard (which is barely covered) or a pill addiction (which is dealt with so minorly)? No. I am never given a reason to give half a fig. Each character is so shallow that their shallowness is almost deep in its presentation.
If you need a flashback to 1995, this is a film for you. The music obviously plays a large role in this movie, and the styles will be familiar. But as far as being an outstanding film or a cultural achievement or even a cult classic, I guess I just don't see it. All the hype this film had or has circling around it don't amount to much. But, hype is like that -- almost never delivering on its promises.
a good teen movie that shows how bad today's teen movies have gotten
emily3727 August 2003
with the recent release of the special edition dvd of this film, i'd suggest you go watch it. yeah, this movie is a light, fluffy gen-x teen movie with its music video moments. however, what was eight years ago just a normal teen movie has gained some semblance of social relevance -- compared to today's teen movies, this film can be seen as some sort of masterpiece.
for one thing, you never see films anymore where teens are actually fighting for something except for a date to the prom. the characters in empire records, yes, are submerged in their overdramatic romantic escapades, but their main prerogative in the film is to prevent a large corporation from buying out their independent record store. are there films that spark that kind of activist spirit in middle- and high- schoolers today? no. we're going backwards.
also, the humor in this film offers up some absurdist wit, which you never find in teen movies now. a kid glues some quarters to the floor so he can laugh at the poor saps who later try desperately to pick them up. a shoplifting teenager gives the fake name of 'warren beatty'. do kids today even know who warren beatty is? i doubt it.
this film was made in 1995, right before many of the laws allowing corporations to buy and control multiple media outlets were passed. the years since '96 have shown us a homogenization of music and movies, especially in the teen sphere, and it is turning today's teens into a bunch of celebrity-obsessed idiots.
compared to your sons and daughters, the kids in empire records can be now seen as role models.
for one thing, you never see films anymore where teens are actually fighting for something except for a date to the prom. the characters in empire records, yes, are submerged in their overdramatic romantic escapades, but their main prerogative in the film is to prevent a large corporation from buying out their independent record store. are there films that spark that kind of activist spirit in middle- and high- schoolers today? no. we're going backwards.
also, the humor in this film offers up some absurdist wit, which you never find in teen movies now. a kid glues some quarters to the floor so he can laugh at the poor saps who later try desperately to pick them up. a shoplifting teenager gives the fake name of 'warren beatty'. do kids today even know who warren beatty is? i doubt it.
this film was made in 1995, right before many of the laws allowing corporations to buy and control multiple media outlets were passed. the years since '96 have shown us a homogenization of music and movies, especially in the teen sphere, and it is turning today's teens into a bunch of celebrity-obsessed idiots.
compared to your sons and daughters, the kids in empire records can be now seen as role models.
A failure at first
BandSAboutMovies29 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Empire Records may not be a musical, but without music, it wouldn't really have much of a story, would it? It does fit into the main prerequisite for this week: it was a total bomb on release before finding an audience that was ready for it years after it was actually made. This coming of age and battle against the corporation film may have just been too much for 1995, but in 2019? It fits right in.
Writer Carol Heikkinen supposedly worked at a Tower Records store (IMDB claims that it was store #166 at Phoenix's Christown Mall) and used tons of stories that she had experienced while working there.
This is the story of 24 hours in the life of Delaware's Empire Records, an independent music store. It starts when Joe (Anthony LaPaglia, The Client, Annabelle: Creation), the store manager, allows Lucas (Rory Cochrane, Dazed and Confused) to close the store alone for the first time.
That's when he learns that Music Town, a national entertainment big box store, is buying Empire Records. To keep its spirit of independence alive, he takes all $9,000 from that day's sales and sets out to quadruple it in Atlantic City. Sure, he doubles it, but Lucas' luck could never hold out.
The next morning, a decimated Luchas is found by A.J. (Johnny Whitworth, who ended up being Blackout in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance before anyone cared about superhero movies) and Mark (Ethan Embry, Pete on Sneaky Pete). He tells the two of them of his plight as they try to keep him away from Joe, who is looking for the missing deposit once the bank and the actual owner call.
The real heart of Empire Records lies within the kids that work there, like Corey (Liv Tyler), Gina (an impossibly young Renée Zellweger), the suicidal and soon-to-be bald Deb (Robin Tunney, The Craft) and her hanger-on boyfriend Berko (Coyote Shivers, who was married to Liv Tyler's mom at the time, former groupie Bebe Buell).
The truth of it all is that Joe had wanted to become co-owner all along and had hoped to use that $9,000 to make it happen, keeping the store independent. Meanwhile, all hell is breaking loose because the store is dealing with Rex Manning Day.
Yes, former 80's pop star Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield) is coming to the store, which has a line of older women and gay men ready to greet him. The store employees and even Rex's assistant (Debi Mazar, who continually wins me over in small roles) openly hate the singer, but Corey has been planning to give him her virginity. He blows her off and ends up sleeping with her best friend, Gina, as all hell breaks loose.
So much of Empire Records really does hold true to the hijinks ensue manifesto. It's an episodic account of this one big day in the heart of a record store, complete with shoplifters being converted into employees, a mock funeral for Deb to cheer her up, an all-night benefit to "Save the Empire" and love winning against all costs. Oh yeah and Gwar shows up.
It's amazing that this movie even made it on the screen, as it was severely edited in post-production, with three significant characters and 40 minutes of footage ending up on the cutting room floor.
Reviewers said things like the movie was a "soundtrack in search of a movie," "deserved a bullet to put it out of its misery" and it was a "lost cause." That said - the soundtrack album peaked at #63 on the Billboard charts and The Gin Blossoms' "Til I Hear It From You" and Edwyn Collins' "A Girl Like You" made it into the top 40.
Today, a film that only made $300,000 on initial release plays revival houses and has enjoyed several home video re-releases. April 8th has now become Rex Manning Day to so many people now.
Sadly, this movie may not mean much to kids today, as music stores have disappeared. Yes. even the big stores like Music Town.
Writer Carol Heikkinen supposedly worked at a Tower Records store (IMDB claims that it was store #166 at Phoenix's Christown Mall) and used tons of stories that she had experienced while working there.
This is the story of 24 hours in the life of Delaware's Empire Records, an independent music store. It starts when Joe (Anthony LaPaglia, The Client, Annabelle: Creation), the store manager, allows Lucas (Rory Cochrane, Dazed and Confused) to close the store alone for the first time.
That's when he learns that Music Town, a national entertainment big box store, is buying Empire Records. To keep its spirit of independence alive, he takes all $9,000 from that day's sales and sets out to quadruple it in Atlantic City. Sure, he doubles it, but Lucas' luck could never hold out.
The next morning, a decimated Luchas is found by A.J. (Johnny Whitworth, who ended up being Blackout in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance before anyone cared about superhero movies) and Mark (Ethan Embry, Pete on Sneaky Pete). He tells the two of them of his plight as they try to keep him away from Joe, who is looking for the missing deposit once the bank and the actual owner call.
The real heart of Empire Records lies within the kids that work there, like Corey (Liv Tyler), Gina (an impossibly young Renée Zellweger), the suicidal and soon-to-be bald Deb (Robin Tunney, The Craft) and her hanger-on boyfriend Berko (Coyote Shivers, who was married to Liv Tyler's mom at the time, former groupie Bebe Buell).
The truth of it all is that Joe had wanted to become co-owner all along and had hoped to use that $9,000 to make it happen, keeping the store independent. Meanwhile, all hell is breaking loose because the store is dealing with Rex Manning Day.
Yes, former 80's pop star Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield) is coming to the store, which has a line of older women and gay men ready to greet him. The store employees and even Rex's assistant (Debi Mazar, who continually wins me over in small roles) openly hate the singer, but Corey has been planning to give him her virginity. He blows her off and ends up sleeping with her best friend, Gina, as all hell breaks loose.
So much of Empire Records really does hold true to the hijinks ensue manifesto. It's an episodic account of this one big day in the heart of a record store, complete with shoplifters being converted into employees, a mock funeral for Deb to cheer her up, an all-night benefit to "Save the Empire" and love winning against all costs. Oh yeah and Gwar shows up.
It's amazing that this movie even made it on the screen, as it was severely edited in post-production, with three significant characters and 40 minutes of footage ending up on the cutting room floor.
Reviewers said things like the movie was a "soundtrack in search of a movie," "deserved a bullet to put it out of its misery" and it was a "lost cause." That said - the soundtrack album peaked at #63 on the Billboard charts and The Gin Blossoms' "Til I Hear It From You" and Edwyn Collins' "A Girl Like You" made it into the top 40.
Today, a film that only made $300,000 on initial release plays revival houses and has enjoyed several home video re-releases. April 8th has now become Rex Manning Day to so many people now.
Sadly, this movie may not mean much to kids today, as music stores have disappeared. Yes. even the big stores like Music Town.
Perfect...Well, not quite Perfect
po5mrk11 August 2001
For me, Empire Records is a very conflicting movie. On the one hand, it's hysterically funny. On the other hand, it attempts to make great revelations about America's youth. Somehow, though, it all works! Sure, there are some "sappy" predictable parts that you're not sure whether to laugh or cry at, but the timing of these scenes is fantastic. One thing that really struck me about this film is the amazing use of music. Certain songs can be heard repeatedly throughout the movie which really help to distinguish parallel story lines. All in all, I think it's great.
It's alright, nothing great
culwin26 February 2020
Soundtrack is pretty good, with a mix of early 90's rock/pop bands and classic rock. Nothing too unusual, but I can't say it's not good. The movie itself though, feels... contrived (yes I know all movies are artificial, but they shouldn't feel like it). Even within its own universe, it doesn't even make sense sometimes. For example, the owner is supposed to be (we are told) a big jerk, but he never does anything jerky and in fact is nice enough to let Joe run the store however he wants. It's obvious they wanted this to be the 90's version of a John Hughes movie, but it just doesn't really work. You could easily find worse than this, but you could also do better.
Hard to watch
catherinemm19 January 2022
One of my modern favorites. Wait... THE favorite.
mifamily61 March 2004
This movie is awesome. The best thing is the music. Excellent. It's the greatest collection of songs put into a movie. Even better than Pulp Fiction. There should be a BEST COMPILATION Oscar given to a music supervisor. That's hard but in this kick-ass movie, it seems so effortless. The acting is also top-notch. Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler, Anthony LaPaglia, Robin Tunney, Johnny Whitworth, Max Caulfield, Debi Mazur, and Rory Cochrane, one of the coolest people alive. The script is really good. Directing, also good. Everything was pretty invisible, and I absolutely mean that in a positive way. Just like in the old days, when it was invisible, they put you in the movie. I felt like I was with these characters the whole way. The new "Remix! Special Fan Edition" is probably better. I can't decide. They're both superb.
10/10
10/10
Never hire a teen!
helpless_dancer15 March 2002
This film started off annoying the hell out of me but ended up as a total delight. Here we have several very mixed up kids full of angst and various problems making life miserable for a record store manager....and, at times, each other. Good comedy; the kids, with their crazy cutting up and, at times, profound thoughts, kept me completely entertained throughout. 4 stars.
One of the least essential movies of the 90s
jfgibson7327 July 2021
I really wasn't into this movie. It's been masquerading as it was a cultural touchstone for years, but the soundtrack is the only memorable bit. I like most of the actors in it, but I saw this as a largely wasted opportunity. A record store can totally be an interesting setting--check out "Hi-Fidelity. This one here seems to think we should care about these kids' problems and struggles, but doesn't take any time for us to get to know them. I also find most of the characters unlikeable, and most of the situations are not interesting. But it keeps on going, like it's a tv show we've been watching for years, showing us the lives of these workers who we have no reason to want to watch. If it were a mini-series, maybe it could have been fun. As a self-contained project, I can't understand what makes anyone think this is a "story" that needed to be told.
still fun -- even though im not in junior high anymore
TheMadFerret10 October 2002
i dunno. theres just something about this movie.
yeh, in actuality, its probably dreck. its probably worthless and people probably wont remember its years and years from now when they start making out the lists of '90s movies that changed the sphere of moviemaking.
so what?
for me, this movie really does capture the feel of the mid-'90s. i was like these people once. i wore an outfit scarily like the one liv tyler sports (although without the hideous unders combo, im sure), i knew people like every one of the 'archetypes' from the movie and i really, really wanted to work in a record store. hasnt everybody? and doesnt everybody want there to be a cool record store like this in their town?
i guess for me it is a nostalgia thing, but i watched it (again) the other night with my boyfriend, and we both still laughed during the funny parts and cuddled during the sweet parts and, well, danced during the dance parts.
its just fun to look back on such a 'time-period' movie like that ... the clothes, the attitudes, the music even ... how good is it to hear the gin blossoms again, eh?
im sure many would disagree, but for someone who was right there when it was all happening, so to say, its a gentle reminder of the days before mtv committed suicide, before liv tyler started making 'real' movies, and when phrases like 'whats with Today, today?' could travel through a junior high faster than mono.
yeh, in actuality, its probably dreck. its probably worthless and people probably wont remember its years and years from now when they start making out the lists of '90s movies that changed the sphere of moviemaking.
so what?
for me, this movie really does capture the feel of the mid-'90s. i was like these people once. i wore an outfit scarily like the one liv tyler sports (although without the hideous unders combo, im sure), i knew people like every one of the 'archetypes' from the movie and i really, really wanted to work in a record store. hasnt everybody? and doesnt everybody want there to be a cool record store like this in their town?
i guess for me it is a nostalgia thing, but i watched it (again) the other night with my boyfriend, and we both still laughed during the funny parts and cuddled during the sweet parts and, well, danced during the dance parts.
its just fun to look back on such a 'time-period' movie like that ... the clothes, the attitudes, the music even ... how good is it to hear the gin blossoms again, eh?
im sure many would disagree, but for someone who was right there when it was all happening, so to say, its a gentle reminder of the days before mtv committed suicide, before liv tyler started making 'real' movies, and when phrases like 'whats with Today, today?' could travel through a junior high faster than mono.
The Empire Strikes Back
atlasmb7 June 2023
There are those who say that vinyl records are superior to digital recordings, that they possess an immediacy and authenticity. The hiss and the pops that come with vinyl are not imperfections to be overcome, they say, those are integral to the experience.
This line of thinking has had a resurgence in recent years. Vinyl is back. And independent record stores are again in vogue, after the demise of most record chain stores.
"Empire Records" is about an independent store about to sell out to a chain. Its quirky group of employees are dedicated to music, especially on vinyl. They sing at work, they dance in the aisles, they have spirited discussions with customers about the music they are devoted to.
Being young adults, they have their problems. This film explores their differences and their similarities. Like "The Breakfast Club" ten years earlier, it is a day's events that represent a coming of age.
The cast is a fine group of young actors, including Renee Zellweger (very early in her career) and Liv Tyler (even before "Stealing Beauty").
Appropriately, the soundtrack is packed with contemporary rock music. Some of it is excellent.
The story is somewhat uneven and choppy, but it only seems to add to the authenticity of the film---like the imperfections of vinyl.
The film was written by Carol Heikkinen, who also wrote the great dance film "Center Stage".
This line of thinking has had a resurgence in recent years. Vinyl is back. And independent record stores are again in vogue, after the demise of most record chain stores.
"Empire Records" is about an independent store about to sell out to a chain. Its quirky group of employees are dedicated to music, especially on vinyl. They sing at work, they dance in the aisles, they have spirited discussions with customers about the music they are devoted to.
Being young adults, they have their problems. This film explores their differences and their similarities. Like "The Breakfast Club" ten years earlier, it is a day's events that represent a coming of age.
The cast is a fine group of young actors, including Renee Zellweger (very early in her career) and Liv Tyler (even before "Stealing Beauty").
Appropriately, the soundtrack is packed with contemporary rock music. Some of it is excellent.
The story is somewhat uneven and choppy, but it only seems to add to the authenticity of the film---like the imperfections of vinyl.
The film was written by Carol Heikkinen, who also wrote the great dance film "Center Stage".
Damn the Man, Save the Empire! (spoilers)
vertigo_147 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Empire Records is one of the great music-based teen comedies made at the tail end of the grunge years. The characters are fantastic, the story is completely nutty, its got a pretty fantastic soundtrack, and the movie is really a good time all around, destined to bring a smile to your face.
Joe Reeves (Anthony LaPaglia) runs a record store, Empire Records. The movie takes place pretty much over the course of one crazy day of adventures and disasters at the store. Adventures and disasters that begin with a night of fowl gambling and the loss of the store profits by the cynical, sarcastic Lucas (Rory Cochrane). That sets things in motion. Joe sees the situation as major trouble (obviously, since he's the manager and responsible for the cash), while the rest of the clerks see it as an opportunity to seize the day!
In the course of this day, several things go on behind the scenes of Joe trying to figure out how to get the money back and in the meantime, explain to the owner why there was no deposit made at the bank the day before. As your typical Generation X comedies made in the early and mid 90s goes, you'll have a bunch of different, fairly interconnected situations among a scattered cast of characters and most of these stories are all about who is in love with whom. On this day at Empire Records, retro retard rock singer, Rex Manning, is at the store to autograph CDs for aging fans. Soft-spoken braniac, Cory (Liv Tyler) has made plans to approach Rex and let him know that basically she's grossly obsessed with him. Meanwhile, AJ (Johnny Whitworth), wants to seize the day and boldly profess his love to Cory, if only he can get the confidence to do so. Jane (Debi Mazar), the stereotypical badass of the group complete with shaved head and black attire, avoids explanation of some fresh scars on her wrists. Mark (Ethan Embry) and Eddie (my favorite character, played by James 'Kimo' Wills) are just being themselves, a crazy duo who love to have fun. All this going on while Joe has to try and save Empire Records thanks to Lucas's big mistake.
Sad but true, some things get quite corny. Some of the characters are obviously stereotypical and the Hollywood happy ending of such a bizarre day is quite unbelievable. But, basically, it's a movie about music, friendship, and romance played out to a good mid 90s soundtrack the features The Cranberries, The Gin Blossoms, Dire Straits, Edwyn Collins, and tons more. It ain't no cinematic masterpiece, but it is definitely one of the best teen/gen x comedies of its day (sharing the ranks with Freaked and Tank Girl, of course).
Damn the Man, Save the Empire!
Joe Reeves (Anthony LaPaglia) runs a record store, Empire Records. The movie takes place pretty much over the course of one crazy day of adventures and disasters at the store. Adventures and disasters that begin with a night of fowl gambling and the loss of the store profits by the cynical, sarcastic Lucas (Rory Cochrane). That sets things in motion. Joe sees the situation as major trouble (obviously, since he's the manager and responsible for the cash), while the rest of the clerks see it as an opportunity to seize the day!
In the course of this day, several things go on behind the scenes of Joe trying to figure out how to get the money back and in the meantime, explain to the owner why there was no deposit made at the bank the day before. As your typical Generation X comedies made in the early and mid 90s goes, you'll have a bunch of different, fairly interconnected situations among a scattered cast of characters and most of these stories are all about who is in love with whom. On this day at Empire Records, retro retard rock singer, Rex Manning, is at the store to autograph CDs for aging fans. Soft-spoken braniac, Cory (Liv Tyler) has made plans to approach Rex and let him know that basically she's grossly obsessed with him. Meanwhile, AJ (Johnny Whitworth), wants to seize the day and boldly profess his love to Cory, if only he can get the confidence to do so. Jane (Debi Mazar), the stereotypical badass of the group complete with shaved head and black attire, avoids explanation of some fresh scars on her wrists. Mark (Ethan Embry) and Eddie (my favorite character, played by James 'Kimo' Wills) are just being themselves, a crazy duo who love to have fun. All this going on while Joe has to try and save Empire Records thanks to Lucas's big mistake.
Sad but true, some things get quite corny. Some of the characters are obviously stereotypical and the Hollywood happy ending of such a bizarre day is quite unbelievable. But, basically, it's a movie about music, friendship, and romance played out to a good mid 90s soundtrack the features The Cranberries, The Gin Blossoms, Dire Straits, Edwyn Collins, and tons more. It ain't no cinematic masterpiece, but it is definitely one of the best teen/gen x comedies of its day (sharing the ranks with Freaked and Tank Girl, of course).
Damn the Man, Save the Empire!
Empire Records
jboothmillard31 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
From the title I expected this to be some sort of film charting the success of a music studio or something, it sounded like it, I had no idea it was going to be a teen movie, and a pretty good one at that. Basically, Lucas (A Scanner Darkly's Rory Cochrane) is in charge of closing the Empire Records independent music store, and when he sees that the store could be taken over by another business, he decides to take the $9,000 in the safe and gamble it in Atlantic City to win big and save the store, ultimately he loses it. The next day he returns to work to tell boss Joe Reaves (Lantana's Anthony LaPaglia) the bad news, and Joe punishes him to stay sat on the office sofa, and only to move if he comes up with a way to get the money back. This day happens to be the day that the store has invited pompous and fading pop singer Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield) to promote his new album and sign autographs. Each individual teen character, high school students and young adults working in the store, are having their own emotional problems, all coming out on this day. Overachieving student Corey Mason (The Lord of the Rings' Liv Tyler) heading for Harvard University discovers Rex isn't the lovable singer he seems to be. Lovesick A.J. (Johnny Whitworth) wants to tell Corey his feelings for her at a precise time, and when he does it's the wrong time. Gina (Renée Zellweger) is the free spirit who takes advantage of her chance to get with Rex, but it may not have been the best decision and everyone disapproves, don't worry, this will change. Debra (The Craft's Robin Tunney) entered the store immediately shaving her hair off, and continues most of the day being a hostile, antisocial and near suicidal person, burying herself in work, but she come out once in a while. Finally, Mark (Ethan Embry/Randall) is the geeky one who is willing to make a tit of himself on the live news right outside to spread the word that the store needs money to survive. There is also the frequent appearance of the shoplifter calling himself "Warren Beatty" (Brendan Sexton III) who starts out as a troublemaker, but everyone warms to him and are willing to forgive him, and even consider him for a job in the store. In the end, after a big alcohol and music filled party in the street and the store, they manage to raise enough money for Joe to pay manager Mitchell Beck (Ben Bode) at first for a deposit, but he allows him to buy the store for himself. Also starring Debi Mazar as Jane and Coyote Shivers as Berko. Besides the up and coming stars Tyler and a more overshadowing Zellweger appearing, Cochrane is really good as the sarcastic and near brooding at times teen, and Caulfield has his moments as the snobbish and despised disappearing pop star. What I really liked about this teen movie, besides the great cast and "let's pull together" attitude, was the soundtrack, including The Buggles - "Video Killed The Radio Star", Edwyn Collins - "A Girl Like You" and The Flying Lizards - "Money (That's What I Want)", a fun comedy drama. Good!
Great movie, a sign of it's time
Johnny_Depp_Forever7 July 2003
I love this movie very much. I don't own a lot of movies but this is one that I do. Like any film, it has it's problems but in general it is great. The film was well casted, each actor fit and made the best of his or her role. Maxwell Caulfield played Rex Manning, the character you love to hate. Anthony LaPaglia played Joe who was one of the best managers that you could work for. The actor's attitude toward his role was very well displayed. Rory Cochrane played Lucas, who is my favorite character in this movie. Then there is Johnny Whitworth, now everybody sort of disinclueds him or doesn't like him but I think that he did a good job as AJ, I could not see anyone else there, maybe someone could have done a better job but he did well. The rest of the cast was fantastic. The plot of the film was a little non existent, it's more like a series of events that just go one after the other with no really flow. Anyways, take the movie for what it is: teenagers working at a record store, dealing with life issues with good music playing in the background. This is a great film.
A missed opportunity
konichiwaboonichika26 May 2021
This had a chance to be a "Breakfast Club" of the 90s, but fell short.
The story had too many characters, too many forced situations, too many cliches and no surprise twists at the end. So much of the movie is the cast sitting around doing nothing, that about 10 minutes could have easily been cut from the run time.
Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It's just easily forgettable like so many other "teen" movies from the 90s. It truly was a soundtrack in search of a movie and nostalgia is the best thing going for it.
The story had too many characters, too many forced situations, too many cliches and no surprise twists at the end. So much of the movie is the cast sitting around doing nothing, that about 10 minutes could have easily been cut from the run time.
Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It's just easily forgettable like so many other "teen" movies from the 90s. It truly was a soundtrack in search of a movie and nostalgia is the best thing going for it.
like a master class in how not to make a movie
cherold20 March 2023
This shaggy, somewhat annoying movie has inexplicably gone on to be some sort of cult class, and yet I can find little of worth in it outside of a good cast and a decent soundtrack.
The movie takes place in a record store and is about ... not much of anything. It begins with a character doing something dumb (and criminal) and going on to spout non-sequitors and just being the most annoying character in the movie.
Most of the movie is made up of characters arguing, acting stupid, dancing in the aisles, and trying to figure out who they're going to sleep with. There's a problem that bubbles up at the beginning but then it just simmers until it inexplicably takes over in the last 15 minutes, when it is resolved as absurdly as possible.
I don't have much fondness for teenagers being dumb, which is what this whole movie is. The female half of the cast is somewhat appealing (or maybe just hot) and the male side is middling to annoying.
So basically someone said, let's make something episodic like American Graffiti but all on one set and then let's tie it together with a dumb ending. And this is the result.
Not recommended.
The movie takes place in a record store and is about ... not much of anything. It begins with a character doing something dumb (and criminal) and going on to spout non-sequitors and just being the most annoying character in the movie.
Most of the movie is made up of characters arguing, acting stupid, dancing in the aisles, and trying to figure out who they're going to sleep with. There's a problem that bubbles up at the beginning but then it just simmers until it inexplicably takes over in the last 15 minutes, when it is resolved as absurdly as possible.
I don't have much fondness for teenagers being dumb, which is what this whole movie is. The female half of the cast is somewhat appealing (or maybe just hot) and the male side is middling to annoying.
So basically someone said, let's make something episodic like American Graffiti but all on one set and then let's tie it together with a dumb ending. And this is the result.
Not recommended.
Empire Records
lilcutie1861327 July 2005
This movie follows the stories of many people who work at Empire Records, a music store on the brink of closing. All the characters are memorable, even the boy who steals a CD and is caught and hit by the door of a car. The drama, comedy, and music work well together all around.
Liv Tyler really impressed me in her role. She was very convincing as an intelligent young lady on her way to Harvard. All the actors were great in their roles and I can't imagine anyone else taking their places. And the soundtrack is AWESOME!!!!! :) All-in-all a cute film that you can watch again and again.
Liv Tyler really impressed me in her role. She was very convincing as an intelligent young lady on her way to Harvard. All the actors were great in their roles and I can't imagine anyone else taking their places. And the soundtrack is AWESOME!!!!! :) All-in-all a cute film that you can watch again and again.
a hilarious, nostalgic and rocking trip down memory lane!
triple824 February 2007
How did I miss this when It came out? Being that I used to search for movies of this type, I don't see how this gem slipped me by. I just watched saw it for the first time this week(after being inspired by many a glowing IMDb user comment!!) and found it be really terrific. The movie really affected me and watching it was an absolute trip. I want them to do a part two and I just saw part one! I guess I'm a little late in jumping on on the Empire Records train....
This movie is a breath of fresh air. The characters are so relateable. And lovable. Joe is awesome! "Warren Beaty" steals every scene he's in. And it is just so much fun in general. The musical choices are great. The numerous one liners are Brilliant! Of Coarse I saw other movies I've loved reflected in this one (examples being "The Breakfast Club", "Clerks", etc). But I think this had it's own unique charm. It's such a good choice for anyone who's a music fan out there, as well as to anyone who's coming of age and just not really sure what they want and where their going. It's a little less talky then some of the other similar movies and it seems a celebration of freedom and rock-n-roll. I was also strongly reminded of "High Fidelity".
Besides being hilarious, touching and nostalgic all at once, Empire Records also had another effect on me and that was making me want to call all my old buddies from that time period to yell at them to see this great movie....immediately. Unfortunately, I doubt many of them would be able to relate anymore. To the people who CAN relate however, who haven't seen this and who may stumble upon this review....take ninety minutes or so and See this little gem and take your own trip down memory lane.
I will be recommending this movie to the people in my life who I know will dig this peppy flick.
This movie is a breath of fresh air. The characters are so relateable. And lovable. Joe is awesome! "Warren Beaty" steals every scene he's in. And it is just so much fun in general. The musical choices are great. The numerous one liners are Brilliant! Of Coarse I saw other movies I've loved reflected in this one (examples being "The Breakfast Club", "Clerks", etc). But I think this had it's own unique charm. It's such a good choice for anyone who's a music fan out there, as well as to anyone who's coming of age and just not really sure what they want and where their going. It's a little less talky then some of the other similar movies and it seems a celebration of freedom and rock-n-roll. I was also strongly reminded of "High Fidelity".
Besides being hilarious, touching and nostalgic all at once, Empire Records also had another effect on me and that was making me want to call all my old buddies from that time period to yell at them to see this great movie....immediately. Unfortunately, I doubt many of them would be able to relate anymore. To the people who CAN relate however, who haven't seen this and who may stumble upon this review....take ninety minutes or so and See this little gem and take your own trip down memory lane.
I will be recommending this movie to the people in my life who I know will dig this peppy flick.
Putrid. Annoying. Loathsome.
hijinx4 July 1999
This noxious, fecal, rancid excuse for a film had me terribly disgusted throughout. The plot feels much like something out of a poor NBC sitcom; in fact, NBC might've done a better job with it. The cast was totally stereotypical and unexciting, the idea was formulaic, and I felt cheated out of my time and money by seeing this movie.
0.0/5.0 stars.
0.0/5.0 stars.
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