Empire Records

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Empire Records

PG-13

1995

1h 40m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

35%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) runs Empire Records, an independent Delaware store that employs a tight-knit group of music-savvy youths. Hearing that the shop may be sold to a big chain, slacker employee Lucas (Rory Cochrane) bets a chunk of the store's money, hoping to get a big return. When this plan fails, Empire Records falls into serious trouble, and the various other clerks, including lovely Corey (Liv Tyler) and gloomy Deb (Robin Tunney), must deal with the problem, among many other issues.

Critics Consensus

Despite a terrific soundtrack and a strong early performance from Renee Zellweger, Empire Records is mostly a silly and predictable teen dramedy.

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David Kronke

Los Angeles Times

03/29/2019

The biggest audience laugh at a recent showing came when a guy deadpanned, "This movie speaks for our generation." The sun can't set too soon on this Empire.

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Mark Caro

Chicago Tribune

03/29/2019

1.5/4

If Clerks were written by TV hacks, it might feel something like this.

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Ryan Gilbey

Independent (UK)

03/29/2019

It was never on the cards that Allan Moyle, the director of Pump Up the Volume, would deliver an authentic study of modern youth with his new film Empire Records. But the picture is barely even set on this planet, let alone in this era.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

12/04/2024

2.5/4

...a mostly watchable comedy that never quite becomes as engaging (or memorable) as one might’ve hoped...

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

09/17/2024

6/10

The film is a story of independent spirits battling a soulless corporation, produced without any apparent self-awareness by Regency Enterprises for Warner Bros; a soulless corporation.

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

09/01/2022

B+

An anecdotal comedy like this lives or dies on the charisma of its ensemble, and this is a decidedly fun group to spend 90 minutes with.

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Brody W

@RT77467322 5d

very funny, fits the 90's grunge "damn the man" energy. rather slow intro but other than that this is an absolute must-see.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom 6d

Empire Records tries to capture a snapshot of youthful rebellion and music-store camaraderie, but for me it mostly comes off as unfocused and more style than substance. The characters are meant to feel quirky and memorable, yet many end up feeling underdeveloped or inconsistent in their motivations. The tone shifts awkwardly between comedy and drama without fully landing either, which makes it hard to stay invested in what’s happening. While there are moments that hint at a stronger coming-of-age story underneath, they never quite come together in a satisfying way. The pacing also feels uneven, with scenes that drag and others that feel rushed. Overall, it has some nostalgic appeal and a solid soundtrack vibe, but as a film it doesn’t fully deliver. I’d rate it a 4/10.

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Anna S

@SheDoesntEvenGoHere Apr 8

Damn the man, save the empire.

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown Mar 31

90s teen drama that didn't age well - not because its set in a record store, but because it relies on a flimsy script. Music was pretty solid...

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Natasha R

@MsNatasha Feb 21

This movie was exactly how I remember living in the 90's - the idea of being a "sell out" was the worst, tangible music was your only option, and finding a fun cd at the record store was a cool brag. This movie was cheesy, campy, and grunge.

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Chris M

@RT41034743 Feb 5

First rewatch since being a teenager, 90 minutes of reliving your youth!!

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Allan Moyle

Director

Anthony LaPaglia

Joe Reaves

Rory Cochrane

Lucas

Johnny Whitworth

A.J.

Liv Tyler

Corey Mason

Renée Zellweger

Gina

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79%

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Synopsis

Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) runs Empire Records, an independent Delaware store that employs a tight-knit group of music-savvy youths. Hearing that the shop may be sold to a big chain, slacker employee Lucas (Rory Cochrane) bets a chunk of the store's money, hoping to get a big return. When this plan fails, Empire Records falls into serious trouble, and the various other clerks, including lovely Corey (Liv Tyler) and gloomy Deb (Robin Tunney), must deal with the problem, among many other issues.

Director: Allan Moyle
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Michael G. Nathanson, Alan Riche, Tony Ludwig
Screenwriter: Carol Heikkinen
Production Co: Regency Enterprises
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 22, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Surround