Empire Records: A Fun, Music Filled Movie

I had a really hard time sifting through my 600+ movies trying to find one that is my favorite. There are actually so many of them, that it was hard to pick just one. While I was perusing the choices, I ran across this great 1995 movie, Empire Records, which though it may not be my favorite, it is certainly one that I have watched over and over again.

The premise of the movie is simple. It takes place in a record store, something our younger generation may never realize was a big part of some of our lives. I remember spending hours hanging out in stores such as Peaches back in the 80's. I bet if you took a poll of teenagers today that they couldn't tell you what speeds records were played at, let alone the fact that there were 45s or 78s. How about asking your child if they know what an LP is? I can just imagine the responses you would get. The fact that this movie is relatively timeless when it comes to entertaining us must mean something. There are also enough cast members that even the younger generation would know to this day.

The owner of the record store is played by Anthony LaPaglia, best know these days for his role in Without a Trace. He has a bit of an issue when one of his employees, played by Rory Cochrane (who is filling his time these days with a juicy roll on "24") steals the record store's bank deposit and goes off to Atlantic City in attempt to double the take. When he returns to the store he has no choice but to fess up his mistake and take the consequences. Meanwhile, the store employees, which include the well-known Renee Zellweger and Liv Tyler, as well as Robin Tunney, Ethan Embrey, are preparing the store for the anticipated arrival of Rex Manning, played by Maxwell Caulfield, the so-called hottest singer, but whose music is pretty much a joke to the young men in the store. With a hokey hit record and music video, the women love him and Tyler and Zellweger vie for his attention. While he is there to sign autographs, the rest of the store employees are all wrapped up in each of their own personal turmoils. Joe (LaPaglia) has bigger problems because the deposits are gone and Empire Records owner is wanting to turn the store into a Music Town, which apparenlty is no comparison to the current store and it's inventory.

While all the ruckus of the work day is going on, the adorable A.J., played by Johnny Whitworth (whom you may recognize from CSI: Miami) is attempting to get Corey (Tyler) to notice him as more than a friend and co-worker. Unfortuantely, her desires initially lean towards the older Rex Manning and she makes every attempt to make that happen. You would think he adorable outfit of a cropped sweater and mini-skirt would do the trick, but her innocense breaks through no matter how hard she tries. However, it's not that hard for Gina (Zellweger) who basically plays the easy and confident "slut" of the film.

Throughout the film you will hear a lot of great music as it has one of the best soundtracks of its time. You'll enjoy hearing the Gin Blossoms, AC/DC, Dishwalla, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Cranberries, Better Than Ezra and much, much more. The movie culminates when the employees, in an attempt to save the record store from turning into a lame Music Town, decide to hold a party complete with music and beer. The best part of the movie for me is at the very end when another store employee, Berko (played by Coyote Shivers, who was married to Liv Tyler's mom for a while), takes his band, along with Zellweger, up to the roof of the record store to perform. Shivers wrote and performed the song "SugarHigh" and Zellweger steps in for some singing. It is an upbeat and get up from your seat song that will have you wanting to join the party.

Visit Amazon.com to find this great extended movie version for under $20. You can also find this on line available at cduniverse.com and is also priced well under $20 or you can even stop by your local Best Buy store and purchase it in person.