X
- 1995
- PG-13
- Warner Bros.
- 1 h 30 m
- 1995
- PG-13
- Warner Bros.
- 1 h 30 m
Summary A comedy about an eventful day in the lives of the young slackers, doers and dreamers who work at a bustling record store. (Warner Bros.)
Directed By: Allan Moyle
Written By: Carol Heikkinen
- 1995
- PG-13
- Warner Bros.
- 1 h 30 m
- 1995
- PG-13
- Warner Bros.
- 1 h 30 m
Empire Records
47
6.6
Where to Watch
Summary A comedy about an eventful day in the lives of the young slackers, doers and dreamers who work at a bustling record store. (Warner Bros.)
Directed By: Allan Moyle
Written By: Carol Heikkinen
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
47
0% Positive
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
86% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
14% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
47
0% Positive
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
86% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
14% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
The sun can't set too soon on this "Empire." [23 Oct 1995, Pg.F9]
A soundtrack in search of a movie, Empire Records is one teen-music effort that never finds a groove.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 37 User Ratings
6.6
54% Positive
20 Ratings
20 Ratings
35% Mixed
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
11% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 37 User Ratings
6.6
54% Positive
20 Ratings
20 Ratings
35% Mixed
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
11% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
For all its faults, the good-natured, quirky humour that this for the most part offers ultimately makes it very hard to dislike.
Insubstantial, predictable and often dull, it's a dismaying move from director Allen Moyle, who displayed a real grasp of pulp energy in 1990's "Pump Up the Volume".
The film exists for its shots of telegenic youngsters busting loose to a bankable soundtrack, and it's the cheesy dialogue, overstuffed plot, and predictable character arcs that come across as superfluous.
The movie is too blatant a throwback to crass '80s teen fodder to really work.
If the movie is a lost cause, it may at least showcase actors who have better things ahead of them.
Initially when this film was released it flopped financially and critically. It has definitely built a deserved cult following over the years. It's one of my favorite go to make me feel great movies that explores a plethora of emotions making it similar to having the impact of the breakfast club and fitting perfectly in the wheelhouse of films that explore youth in a genuine way. This review is for both the Superior theatrical version and the interesting but flawed extended version. It centers on a group of employees whom deal with a variety of issues while working at a record store that's on the verge of closing. All the characters are quirky and wonderfully likable Renee Zellweger, Robin Tunney and Liv Tyler being the standouts. It's easy to see why the extended stuff was cut and the impact of some of the films best scenes are lessened including the amazing finale. I would highly reccomend just skipping the extended version and just sticking with the best cut. As it stands it's a love letter to the changing music scene as well as youth in general. Its hilarious fun and heartfelt and also stars Joe Mategna, Debi Mazar, Ethan Embry, Maxwell Caufield and so many more.
Budget: $10m
Box Office: $303,841
Theatrical: 4.5/5
Extended: 3.25/5
Report
Awards
ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
