Damn the man! (Empire Records (DVD))

Member Name: Tsunami bomb

Product:	Empire Records (DVD)
Date:	07/12/02 (166 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Incredible sound track, Original and witty

Disadvantages: None come to mind

Empire Records is not your average "teen movie." It was released in 1995 and probably somewhat overlooked by many. The humour is dry, the characters are complex (in their own way) and they seem to have incredibly eventful lives. The main characters, Mark, AJ, Lucas, Corey, Deb, Gina and their patient boss Joe work in the record store (Empire Records) are all pretty much just slacking dreamers, but so loveable. The movie follows their lives through a particularly eventful day involving a washed up singer, a shoplifter and one hell of a party.

It's Rex Manning day in the store, (Mr. Manning being a washed up old has been singer played by Maxwell Caulfield) and this is to be one of the most eventful days this store has ever experienced.

The characters each experience their own personal troubles, which include drug habits, suicide attempts, family problems, unrequited love and money trouble. Although there are such themes, the film is never deadly serious and depressing. Infact, personally, I found the movie uplifting (even if it was Rex Manning day).

The cast was wonderful. Each put their all into their character, and let themselves shine.

To me, there are two best characters in the whole film. The first is Mark played by Ethan Embry. He is quirky, cute and just that little bit insane. This kid is crazy and hopes to someday start his band, inventively named "Marc." The second character is Lucas (Rory Cochrane). This guy is cool, calm and collected (despite putting the whole future of Empire Records and it's employees in jepordy). He is also given some of the best lines in the film, for example, "What's with today, today?"

The film *does not* lose it's appeal after you first watch it. Not to mention the incredible soundtrack.

Summary: