Avaliações de usuários

It's hard to believe that this cult classic from 1995 is nearly three decades old. While elements of the film have stood the test of time (including one of the best film soundtracks to ever be made), there are bittersweet reminders here that the world that Empire Records depicts no longer exists. For those who were around in the 1990's, this often poignant movie will hit your nostalgic sweet spot, making you yearn for yesteryears. Yet, sentimentality aside, Empire Records presents a romanticized view of retail life as we once knew it. The fact the film takes place in a record store (which have sadly become extinct - for the most part) and only a few other locations are shown, the movie possesses a theatre-like charm. At times, you can't help but wonder if Empire Records should really be adapted for the stage (hey, there's a musical in there somewhere). The cast is attractive and clever, tossing witticisms left and right in a style reminiscent of Dorothy Parker. Everyone here has something smart or sassy to say. It's only when the film tries to go deep emotionally that things feel more maudlin than they need to. Fortunately, director Allan Moyle (there should be no surprise that he also directed two other cult favorites, Pump Up the Volume and Times Square among others) knows exactly when to lighten the mood with comedic bits that would fit in well on any sitcom of the era (hello, Friends). Some of the actors here went on to huge cinematic success, including Renee Zellweger in a fantastic early-in-her-career performance. On that note, we need her version of the song Sugar High to finally get the record release it deserves. Her performance of it (albeit it's less than two minutes on screen) is alone worth watching the film for. That and a look back at a time where young people had cool jobs in cool places and listened to really, really cool music - on vinyl, even.

Empire Records is directed by Allan Moyle and written by Carol Heikkinen. It stars, Anthony LaPaglia, Maxwell Caulfield, Debi Mazar, Johnny Whitworth, Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, Rory Cochrane, Robin Tunney & Ethan Embry. Plot centre's on one day at independent record store Empire Records. With the store under imminent threat of a take over by a corporate chain, this is no ordinary day. For on the day that the store will be visited by a fading pop star, they are forced to confront their personal issues, and maybe, just maybe, learn something about the people they work with.

The film was a box office failure and was met with mostly negative reviews from the professional critics. Coming as it does from the director of critical/cult darling Pump Up the Volume, many were expecting a better and more hard edged picture than what they got. It also had to compete with certain 80's favourites brought to the cinematic world by John Hughes. While coming fast on the heels of the immensely popular Clerks (94) didn't help its cause either. Was it a case of bad timing? Is the film really just poor? And or, as mooted at the time: a career killer for those involved? Personally I think it's a film that needs revisiting now some 15 odd years after its release. In fact time has actually been kind to it and it now appears to have a good solid cult following. So unless you are judging it against the superior, record shop set, High Fidelity, you may find it's a film that's hard to dislike.

Some of the complaints against it are fair, with the main one about it not having fully developed characters being as true as day is a day. While calling it one long stitched together music video has some substance when taking it at face value. Yet what is there is worthy of a second glance, they are interesting characters, and their respective hang-ups and pressures are evident enough for us to hang our hats on; even if it's set up to be accompanied by still more hipster indie rock music. There's also been much guff written about the film as regards calling it a teen angst film. Yes it is, but have these reviewers forgotten about the adults in the movie? LaPaglia's store owner, the father figure, trying to remain cool as his charges come under threat. Or Mazar, needing a wake up call from her job/career ignorance; and the big one, the delightful Caulfield (splendid bit of casting) as fading pop singer Rex Manning, imposter? Indeed. It's all relative as to why Empire Records deserves more than a once only viewing. As for the music, it does indeed rock, with each track carefully selected to be at one with the scene it accompanies. My favourite? AC/DC-If You Want Blood, a ball busting track for a vibrant and kicking scene.

As for it being a career killing movie? The ladies of the piece have done rather well for themselves, Zellweger, Tunney and Tyler have made their marks in the industry, while Mazar has never been without work prior or post Empire Records. The guys haven't hit the heights of Zellweger and Tyler, which in the case of the excellent Rory Cochrane is not only a surprise, but also sad. Cochrane's Lucas is the key character and the glue in the middle of it all, always on hand with a dry quip or some philosophy, he's also supremely cool. Cochrane can be seen in serious mode leading 2006 thriller Right at Your Door. LaPaglia has always worked since 95, playing a number of different supporting characters, and Embry has appeared in big release's such as Vacancy and Eagle Eye. Caulfield has turned into the go to guy for TV shows and Whitworth, who quit acting for a while, pops up from time to time in minor roles such as in 3:10 To Yuma and The Rainmaker. So, not a career killer then.

Stick it to the Man, Baby, Empire Records is a vibrant and funny movie. 7.5/10

I love this movie. This movie is the kind of movie I watch movies for (um....did you follow that?). I would make one suggestion, however....watch it twice before you decide if you like it or not. If you're like me you'll probably be lukewarm the first time you see it but like it more each time you see it after that.

The reason for seeing it twice is because the film's strong points become more evident the second (and beyond) time around. Each character is well-defined, with individual traits and idiosynchracies, but this can be lost the first time through because you're trying to follow the story. There is a very strong soundtrack for the movie, but you appreciate it more the second time through, because you better understand how the music applies to the scene. The actors have great chemistry and the character interactions are great. The movie never takes itself very seriously and it's just a lot of fun to watch. You'll find yourself rewinding it to see certain scenes again and again.

I grant you the movie will never win any Academy nominations. The plot is simplistic and the "neat" ending (all problems solved perfectly in just one day) is unrealistic (not that this bothered me....I personally loved the ending....if I want "reality" I'll watch the evening news). Also, trying to follow the storyline tends to take away from the character interaction the first time you see it; hence, the suggestion to see it at least twice. I actually didn't care for it the first time I saw it because I was looking at it strictly story-wise. The second time I saw it I concentrated on the characters and the dialogue(which I loved), and that's when I realized the appeal. If you're into serious movies that reflect real life and real suffering, you'll probably want to pass on this one. However, if you watch movies to have fun and laugh, watch this one. Also, if you like music- especially a moderately wide variety- you'll enjoy it. It's worth your time, but save the beer for the second viewing. "Sugarhigh" is awesome- Well done, Gina! Hot voice.... Oh, and Damn the Man! 9 out of 10.

This is truly a feel good film that I return to again and again. It's true they don't make films like this anymore which is why Empire Records is such a cult film. The story is simple but the chemistry and characters shine brighter.

Empire Records is funny and slightly offbeat teen movie. A well built one, which each quirky character having a well defined personality, a set of problems, and realistic interactions with each other. Their personas all ring solidly true, each with deep emotional affects. However, not everybody will see themselves represented here, it is but a thin slice of society.

The music is good, the dialogs are interesting just like the story, and it keeps an overall positive tone, although it does talk about some serious issues. It touches each subjects lightly, and keep the focus on the what is happening, on the development of the situation.

You will be entertained, if you're looking for a good adolescent flick.

with the recent release of the special edition dvd of this film, i'd suggest you go watch it. yeah, this movie is a light, fluffy gen-x teen movie with its music video moments. however, what was eight years ago just a normal teen movie has gained some semblance of social relevance -- compared to today's teen movies, this film can be seen as some sort of masterpiece.

for one thing, you never see films anymore where teens are actually fighting for something except for a date to the prom. the characters in empire records, yes, are submerged in their overdramatic romantic escapades, but their main prerogative in the film is to prevent a large corporation from buying out their independent record store. are there films that spark that kind of activist spirit in middle- and high- schoolers today? no. we're going backwards.

also, the humor in this film offers up some absurdist wit, which you never find in teen movies now. a kid glues some quarters to the floor so he can laugh at the poor saps who later try desperately to pick them up. a shoplifting teenager gives the fake name of 'warren beatty'. do kids today even know who warren beatty is? i doubt it.

this film was made in 1995, right before many of the laws allowing corporations to buy and control multiple media outlets were passed. the years since '96 have shown us a homogenization of music and movies, especially in the teen sphere, and it is turning today's teens into a bunch of celebrity-obsessed idiots.

compared to your sons and daughters, the kids in empire records can be now seen as role models.

An employee steals the money from a record store's vault, with the hopes of gambling with it in Atlantic City and making it big. He fails, and the next day the store must face the reality: without the money, they will be turned into one of many chain stores where the more laid back approach to selling music just doesn't slide with those in charge. Also, this day features a visit from washed-up pop star Rex Manning.

Directed by the writer and director of "Pump Up The Volume", this film simply is not as good as "Pump Up The Volume". And, sadly, it's also not the best movie about people hanging out in a record store -- "High Fidelity" is a better contender in that category. What this film does excel at is showing a store with way too many employees who do nothing (how can they possibly afford to pay these slackers) and really encapsulating what it was like to live circa 1995 (probably as much or even more so than "Reality Bites").

That is really the only selling point for this film for me. Reminding me of 1995, when music like the Gin Blossoms was cool and people dressed like they were trying to escape the 1980s but didn't know how (and ended up turning to flannel for help). Sure, we have Robin Tunney ("The Craft") and a young Liv Tyler... even Renee Zellweger. All fine actresses, but nothing worth seeing the film for if that's all you want to see.

There's nothing new about the idea of trying to get a store saved from going under (or a school, or a radio station -- see "UHF"). What makes this movie different is that the characters are just, well, weird. They sit around, don't do a lot of work, wander off for no reason, and nobody cares. The store could run more effectively with fewer employees, and the film would probably be tighter if one character was dropped (maybe Ethan Embry).

Warren was by far the most entertaining part of the film for me. His hoodlum antics just made me very amused, and without him this would have been a highly dull film. Do I care about a girl's depression (which is never really explored or resolved) or another girl's acceptance to Harvard (which is barely covered) or a pill addiction (which is dealt with so minorly)? No. I am never given a reason to give half a fig. Each character is so shallow that their shallowness is almost deep in its presentation.

If you need a flashback to 1995, this is a film for you. The music obviously plays a large role in this movie, and the styles will be familiar. But as far as being an outstanding film or a cultural achievement or even a cult classic, I guess I just don't see it. All the hype this film had or has circling around it don't amount to much. But, hype is like that -- almost never delivering on its promises.

For me, Empire Records is a very conflicting movie. On the one hand, it's hysterically funny. On the other hand, it attempts to make great revelations about America's youth. Somehow, though, it all works! Sure, there are some "sappy" predictable parts that you're not sure whether to laugh or cry at, but the timing of these scenes is fantastic. One thing that really struck me about this film is the amazing use of music. Certain songs can be heard repeatedly throughout the movie which really help to distinguish parallel story lines. All in all, I think it's great.

I was a teenager when this movie came out and as a nineties kid this movie really speaks to me. The soundtrack is awesome, the characters make a nineties teenage heart beat faster. I understand it's not a movie "kids" under 30 will relate to. It has no plot, no real storyline, the characters are clichés. But who cares!! That was never the intention of this movie. I literally watched this over 29 times and love it every single time. It just makes me happy.

Good actors but these characters don't feel real at all. Cliché. Poorly written and contrived. I'm a fan of Dazed and Confused, but for this one, I was forcing myself to finish.

Soundtrack is pretty good, with a mix of early 90's rock/pop bands and classic rock. Nothing too unusual, but I can't say it's not good. The movie itself though, feels... contrived (yes I know all movies are artificial, but they shouldn't feel like it). Even within its own universe, it doesn't even make sense sometimes. For example, the owner is supposed to be (we are told) a big jerk, but he never does anything jerky and in fact is nice enough to let Joe run the store however he wants. It's obvious they wanted this to be the 90's version of a John Hughes movie, but it just doesn't really work. You could easily find worse than this, but you could also do better.

Pros: 1. The soundtrack is killer, it's packed full of great songs that accompany entertaining moments, from Joe Reaves (Anthony LaPaglia) drumming along to AC/DC to the entire cast dancing on the rooftop at the end.

2. The film is pure 90's nostalgia fuel, particularly with it's aesthetically-pleasing fashion, great music and opposition to corporate influence.

3. The cast has great chemistry and it genuinely feels like we're following a group of good friends.

4. The movie is genuinely feel-good and a good comfort-watch. Particularly for those who love/ miss the 1990s.

Cons: 1. The music, though great, is incessant and is often used in lieu of any substance.

2. The plot stagnates for almost the entirety of the film as, apart from trivial drama, nothing happens until the last 20 minutes.

3. The characters are largely two-dimensional, especially the female characters who seem to be defined by their trauma and baggage instead of having actual personalities.

4. The comedy mostly feels over-the-top and forced.

i dunno. theres just something about this movie.

yeh, in actuality, its probably dreck. its probably worthless and people probably wont remember its years and years from now when they start making out the lists of '90s movies that changed the sphere of moviemaking.

so what?

for me, this movie really does capture the feel of the mid-'90s. i was like these people once. i wore an outfit scarily like the one liv tyler sports (although without the hideous unders combo, im sure), i knew people like every one of the 'archetypes' from the movie and i really, really wanted to work in a record store. hasnt everybody? and doesnt everybody want there to be a cool record store like this in their town?

i guess for me it is a nostalgia thing, but i watched it (again) the other night with my boyfriend, and we both still laughed during the funny parts and cuddled during the sweet parts and, well, danced during the dance parts.

its just fun to look back on such a 'time-period' movie like that ... the clothes, the attitudes, the music even ... how good is it to hear the gin blossoms again, eh?

im sure many would disagree, but for someone who was right there when it was all happening, so to say, its a gentle reminder of the days before mtv committed suicide, before liv tyler started making 'real' movies, and when phrases like 'whats with Today, today?' could travel through a junior high faster than mono.

This had a chance to be a "Breakfast Club" of the 90s, but fell short.

The story had too many characters, too many forced situations, too many cliches and no surprise twists at the end. So much of the movie is the cast sitting around doing nothing, that about 10 minutes could have easily been cut from the run time.

Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It's just easily forgettable like so many other "teen" movies from the 90s. It truly was a soundtrack in search of a movie and nostalgia is the best thing going for it.

Initially when this film was released it flopped financially and critically. It has definitely built a deserved cult following over the years. It's one of my favorite go to make me feel great movies that explores a plethora of emotions making it similar to having the impact of the breakfast club and fitting perfectly in the wheelhouse of films that explore youth in a genuine way. This review is for both the Superior theatrical version and the interesting but flawed extended version. It centers on a group of employees whom deal with a variety of issues while working at a record store that's on the verge of closing. All the characters are quirky and wonderfully likable Renee Zellweger, Robin Tunney and Liv Tyler being the standouts. It's easy to see why the extended stuff was cut and the impact of some of the films best scenes are lessened including the amazing finale. I would highly reccomend just skipping the extended version and just sticking with the best cut. As it stands it's a love letter to the changing music scene as well as youth in general. Its hilarious fun and heartfelt and also stars Joe Mategna, Debi Mazar, Ethan Embry, Maxwell Caufield and so many more.

Budget: $10m Box Office: $303,841

Theatrical: 4.5/5 Extended: 3.25/5

There are those who say that vinyl records are superior to digital recordings, that they possess an immediacy and authenticity. The hiss and the pops that come with vinyl are not imperfections to be overcome, they say, those are integral to the experience.

This line of thinking has had a resurgence in recent years. Vinyl is back. And independent record stores are again in vogue, after the demise of most record chain stores.

"Empire Records" is about an independent store about to sell out to a chain. Its quirky group of employees are dedicated to music, especially on vinyl. They sing at work, they dance in the aisles, they have spirited discussions with customers about the music they are devoted to.

Being young adults, they have their problems. This film explores their differences and their similarities. Like "The Breakfast Club" ten years earlier, it is a day's events that represent a coming of age.

The cast is a fine group of young actors, including Renee Zellweger (very early in her career) and Liv Tyler (even before "Stealing Beauty").

Appropriately, the soundtrack is packed with contemporary rock music. Some of it is excellent.

The story is somewhat uneven and choppy, but it only seems to add to the authenticity of the film---like the imperfections of vinyl.

The film was written by Carol Heikkinen, who also wrote the great dance film "Center Stage".

This movie is awesome. The best thing is the music. Excellent. It's the greatest collection of songs put into a movie. Even better than Pulp Fiction. There should be a BEST COMPILATION Oscar given to a music supervisor. That's hard but in this kick-ass movie, it seems so effortless. The acting is also top-notch. Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler, Anthony LaPaglia, Robin Tunney, Johnny Whitworth, Max Caulfield, Debi Mazur, and Rory Cochrane, one of the coolest people alive. The script is really good. Directing, also good. Everything was pretty invisible, and I absolutely mean that in a positive way. Just like in the old days, when it was invisible, they put you in the movie. I felt like I was with these characters the whole way. The new "Remix! Special Fan Edition" is probably better. I can't decide. They're both superb.

10/10

This film started off annoying the hell out of me but ended up as a total delight. Here we have several very mixed up kids full of angst and various problems making life miserable for a record store manager....and, at times, each other. Good comedy; the kids, with their crazy cutting up and, at times, profound thoughts, kept me completely entertained throughout. 4 stars.

I wanted to like this film - I really did - but from the outset, I couldn't help but notice how cliched the characters were. I just couldn't bring myself to lend any empathy whatsoever to the "tortured souls" which were gratuitously scattered about the store. Frankly, they came across as posers.

Let's see, there was the brainy, just-trying-to-be-accepted girl, the suicidal "walk one day in my shoes and I MIGHT respect you" girl, the token slut, the oh-so-cool but mighty mysterious & outrageously unrealistic beatnik dude, etc, etc. I couldn't help but think that the writer must've spent hours upon end in a local mall trying to get a beat on the pulse of today's youth. Sadly, he produced this bouillabaisse.

Even more maddening was the intertwining of sub-plots designed to lend credence to each character. The scene in which the brainy one finally goes mad and begins ripping things apart was utterly ridiculous and completely forced.

This is one of those films that actually made me blush - not because of any suggestive scenes, but because I became embarrassed that I was actually watching it!

Empire records is the last of a dying breed, the heart and soul of the place is held together by a tight knit group of young people who work there. This film shows a day in the life of the group who all share a common bond with the love of music. Now the business is at risk of being taken over by a larger conglomerate, Music town. With a stricter business model the plan would turn the beautiful essence of the place on its head and become just another money greedy chain. With countless personal complications amongst the gang whilst trying like hell to raise enough money to keep the owner happy enough to keep the place independent it won't be easy. This is a last ditch effort for Empire Records to escape being swallowed whole by corporate greed.

A absolute celebration of youthful optimism with a beautifully selected soundtrack that helps take you back. A true showcase of a few amazing up and coming actors and actresses of the nineties. This films delivers the pure essence of musical expression and most times can be the driving force of mental stability. It certainly fits the profile of your typical dramedy no doubt but the well written and realistic interactions help set this apart. Really goes to show how bad teen movies have gotten over the years going to show it's hard to touch the nineties in that category.

For the most part, I don't enjoy the current wave of teen films (such as the Scream series, though I am a horror fan), as they seem entirely too fake and cheesy (the only one I truly liked was 10 Things I Hate About You, basically because I like the entire cast). Where Empire Records did seem fake (the story line of an employee blowing $9000 of the store's money gambling and the boss deciding to pay it out of his own pocket is ridiculous), for some reason I found myself enjoying it quite a bit. I think the story in this film is quite a bit better than most in this crazed genre, and its one that keeps your attention. Why? I'm not quite sure. I think one of the reasons could possibly be that I have always wanted to have a job like that. I always wanted to work to be a fun place to go to, one that you did not mind going into day after day. In some ways, it reminded me of a job I once had, as my coworkers were great, and we considered our managers as friends, and we had fun at work while we actually got things accomplished, but not to the extent of fun these people had. The acting in this film is quite good, surprisingly. There is only one actor (the stoner) who I found to be quite unlaughably bad (so bad he's not even funny). Where most of the actors aren't overly known (Johnny Whitworth, Rory Cochrane), they do their parts convincingly, yet failed to make a name for themselves. I found both of those actors to be quite good, yet I'd never seen them in anything before. Other key players (Renee Zellweger and Liv Tyler) have become more `mainstream' after Empire Records. I'd been recommended this film several times since its release, and I never thought it seemed interesting enough to sit down and watch it. I'm certainly glad I saw it, however. I believe the film has a certain rewatchability that I look for in films (that so many films lack). Though I don't think this film would be considered cult just yet, it certainly will gain that status some day along with the dozens of other teen movies in the genre. In another ten years or so, people will look back upon these films and undoubtedly laugh at them the way we now laugh at films from the 1980s. I am not a fan of this genre mainly because I find it quite ridiculous that they portray `teens' (however, most of the time the actors portraying these teens are actually in their 20s, which is another thing that bothers me) acting the way they do. It's even more disturbing to see some idiotic people follow the lead of these `teens' and act like this in real life, which I see more and more, and tend to avoid people like this. I do think that when looking back on this genre after 20 years that this film will be considered one of the better ones. Where I wouldn't recommend this film to everyone, I would have to recommend it to certain types of people.

I really wasn't into this movie. It's been masquerading as it was a cultural touchstone for years, but the soundtrack is the only memorable bit. I like most of the actors in it, but I saw this as a largely wasted opportunity. A record store can totally be an interesting setting--check out "Hi-Fidelity. This one here seems to think we should care about these kids' problems and struggles, but doesn't take any time for us to get to know them. I also find most of the characters unlikeable, and most of the situations are not interesting. But it keeps on going, like it's a tv show we've been watching for years, showing us the lives of these workers who we have no reason to want to watch. If it were a mini-series, maybe it could have been fun. As a self-contained project, I can't understand what makes anyone think this is a "story" that needed to be told.