Empire Records

Synopsis

Empire Records is a 1995 coming-of-age film directed by Allan Moyle, starring Liv Tyler. The movie revolves around a group of young employees working at a independent record store facing a turning point when the store is threatened with being sold to a large chain. Throughout the day, the eclectic group of characters deal with personal and professional challenges while experiencing friendship, love, and the power of music in their lives. As the day progresses, they must come together to save the store, learning valuable lessons about loyalty, identity, and the importance of following your passion.

Cast

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  Liv Tyler

  Corey Mason

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  Johnny Whitworth

  A.J.

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  Renée Zellweger

  Gina

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  Robin Tunney

  Debra

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  Anthony LaPaglia

  Joe Reaves

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  Rory Cochrane

  Lucas

Reviews

Empire Records received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the film for its nostalgic depiction of 90s music culture and the strong performances from the ensemble cast. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 31% based on critics' reviews, with the consensus that 'Empire Records tries to evoke the freewheeling spirit of the decade but ends up a jumbled mess of music, melodrama, and cliche storytelling'. Metacritic rated the film 36/100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Despite the critics' opinions, audiences have appreciated the film for its quirky charm and memorable soundtrack, with IMDb users giving it a rating of 6.7/10. 'Empire Records may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it captures the essence of youth and the power of music in a fun and endearing way,' said one reviewer.