The Globe's Cult Classic Film Vault - Empire Records
Stacie Peart
Issue date: 6/7/06 Section: Entertainment
With a stellar cast of soon-to-be up-and-coming stars, "Empire Records" is a quirky ensemble movie that those with a retail past can enjoy. However, not everyone has partaken of this low-budget gem.
"Empire Records" features a day in the life of a mom and pop-type record store. It follows the eccentric employees, customers and even a visit from an aging pop star trying to hold on to what is left of his dismal career throughout the day. The ensemble cast brings together many faces on the rise in the '90s that still have a career in film or television.
Rory Cochrane is known for his portrayal of a pot-addict high schooler in "Dazed and Confused" or more recently for his character on "CSI: Miami" from 2002 to 2004. Cochrane launches the Empire Records store into a state of frenzy as his character, Lucas, closes up shop for the night and discovers a plan to assimilate Empire Records into the nationwide music chain Music Town. Believing he can stop Music Town from buying his locally-owned music haven, Lucas takes the money from the safe to Atlantic City in the hopes that he can gain enough to purchase the store. Unfortunately, Lucas doesn't hit the big time and he gambles the money away.
Cut to the next morning when store manager Joe, played by Aussie-born actor, Anthony LaPaglia ("Without a Trace," "So I Married An Axe Murderer"), finds the cash gone and the bank calling for the previous night's deposit. Joe and the rest of the Empire Records employees muddle through the day with added excitement due to Lucas' gambling escapade.
Liv Tyler gives a convincing performance as Corey, a naive girl on her way to Ivy League glory at Harvard. Corey is constantly being teased by her friend, Gina (Renee Zellweger), another lovable, but rather promiscuous shop employee.
Also making his mark on the screen is Robin Tunney ("Prison Break"), who's character Deb brings a different type of personality to the Empire Records group. Ethan Embry, credited as Ethan Randall ("Sweet Home Alabama"), invites Mark to the employee roster as a wacky, not-all-there spaz that loves his friend's special brownies, Gwar and his band named Marc. Johnny Whitworth ("The Rainmaker") adds his laid back performance as an artist who finds Corey irresistible.
As employees grapple with their own problems, they encounter numerous visitors, including the impending visit from Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield, "Grease 2"). The pop star past his prime still thinks he's every woman's fantasy. Instead, he now makes women nostalgic, not turned on. Brendan Sexton III ("Welcome to the Dollhouse") makes a notable appearance as novice shoplifter Warren.
"Empire Records" pulls together a great cast, fun script and a great '90s soundtrack. Film lovers who have not introduced themselves to this movie should try it out and see how it fits.
"Empire Records" is rated PG-13.
"Empire Records" features a day in the life of a mom and pop-type record store. It follows the eccentric employees, customers and even a visit from an aging pop star trying to hold on to what is left of his dismal career throughout the day. The ensemble cast brings together many faces on the rise in the '90s that still have a career in film or television.
Rory Cochrane is known for his portrayal of a pot-addict high schooler in "Dazed and Confused" or more recently for his character on "CSI: Miami" from 2002 to 2004. Cochrane launches the Empire Records store into a state of frenzy as his character, Lucas, closes up shop for the night and discovers a plan to assimilate Empire Records into the nationwide music chain Music Town. Believing he can stop Music Town from buying his locally-owned music haven, Lucas takes the money from the safe to Atlantic City in the hopes that he can gain enough to purchase the store. Unfortunately, Lucas doesn't hit the big time and he gambles the money away.
Cut to the next morning when store manager Joe, played by Aussie-born actor, Anthony LaPaglia ("Without a Trace," "So I Married An Axe Murderer"), finds the cash gone and the bank calling for the previous night's deposit. Joe and the rest of the Empire Records employees muddle through the day with added excitement due to Lucas' gambling escapade.
Liv Tyler gives a convincing performance as Corey, a naive girl on her way to Ivy League glory at Harvard. Corey is constantly being teased by her friend, Gina (Renee Zellweger), another lovable, but rather promiscuous shop employee.
Also making his mark on the screen is Robin Tunney ("Prison Break"), who's character Deb brings a different type of personality to the Empire Records group. Ethan Embry, credited as Ethan Randall ("Sweet Home Alabama"), invites Mark to the employee roster as a wacky, not-all-there spaz that loves his friend's special brownies, Gwar and his band named Marc. Johnny Whitworth ("The Rainmaker") adds his laid back performance as an artist who finds Corey irresistible.
As employees grapple with their own problems, they encounter numerous visitors, including the impending visit from Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield, "Grease 2"). The pop star past his prime still thinks he's every woman's fantasy. Instead, he now makes women nostalgic, not turned on. Brendan Sexton III ("Welcome to the Dollhouse") makes a notable appearance as novice shoplifter Warren.
"Empire Records" pulls together a great cast, fun script and a great '90s soundtrack. Film lovers who have not introduced themselves to this movie should try it out and see how it fits.
"Empire Records" is rated PG-13.
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Anonymous
posted 6/08/06 @ 1:32 PM MST
Oh man, this review totally does it justice!! great idea, bringing back the classics!
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