Empire Records

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Wayne B I didn't actually see the film until 1997, but it's a nostalgia coming of age film. To sum it up, it's a very optimistic film for kids, particularly the young gen x kids that were around in the 90s, just as Saturday Night Fever did it for young boomers in the 70s. The store is about to go bankrupt. All the ideas of how to keep them in business from the establishment fail. But the answers do come and it's from the kids with the new idea no one older than them would have thought of trying. Yes there are speed bumps, but the message is that let the kids try. Very happy optimistic film. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/19/25 Full Review JoParkerBear P Happy Rex Manning Day! If you’re my age and saw this as a teen, it’s nostalgic af. It’s quotable af. I’ve seen Empire Records more times than I can count. It cheers me up when I’m sad. I love the small community of hardcore fans who know every line. If you didn’t grow up during the 90s, you will probably still enjoy it, IF you love the characters and music, but it’s far less likely to impress you or be memorable. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/28/25 Full Review Nate D. A defining film of the ’90s, Empire Records captures the chaos, humor, and heart of a generation standing on the edge of adulthood. With its unforgettable soundtrack, quirky ensemble cast, and defiant ‘D$@n the Man’ spirit, it’s a perfect time capsule of alternative culture and teen rebellion. A cult classic that only gets better with age—Rex Manning Day forever! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/22/25 Full Review Brian T This movie is on the very short list of movies that is a must watch annually or at anytime it's on, no matter at the point in the movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/09/25 Full Review Blu B Huh....Maybe if I was a teen when this came out I'd have more nostalgia or "get it" but as it stands I just don't. The biggest strike for me is there is just this "phony" like feeling of manufacturerd drama and dialouge. There are lines in this that no one would ever really say and feel like it thinks it's so good. It rubs me the wrong way. Acting/Cinematography is just alright honestly. Cool setting but it's just used for bizarre scenes half the time. Direction isn't bad though. Editing/pacing isn't good here. There is way too many characters, the narrative is so disjointed, and it's so jumpy and unfocused. Drug use, romances, the store closing, kid wanting to work at the place, pranks, tension between coworkers, it all feels like just a whole lot of nothing and it doesn't feel authentic. Zellewegger is probably the best thing acting wise and isn't bad. Couldn't stand the one punk cocky dude who felt every other line was a timeless soundbyte. Feels like we forget most of the time about saving the store also. It gives off Clerks & John Hughes teen movie type vibes but doesn't capture any of the authenticity, message, wit. The humor in this is so quirky but never made me laugh once and is so flat I didn't even think about laughing if that makes sense. The end party was probably the best scene. Best thing that saves this though....the soundtrack is really good. It's so 90's and the best part. I mean they work in a record store so it makes sense. Easily the most memroable thing and saves this from being terrible. As it is I guess if you grew up on this than maybe it resonates in some way but there are way better films like this. Skip it. Disappointed honestly. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/09/25 Full Review David F This film has a lot of 90s nostalgia, and for that I’m grateful, but that was about all there was to like or be entertained by in this film. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/26/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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