The iconic cast of Empire Records on the roof of the infamous store.
Empire Records is a cult classic '90s film. Some people believe it's a bad movie and others absolutely adore it. The film may have failed box office wise but the film is a cult classic today, even fans celebrate on April 8, "Rex Manning Day." Taking place on one singular day, the teenage employees of Empire Records need to raise $9,000 dollars to save the store from going chain, due to an employee gambling away the deposit. However, the employees must deal with apprehending a shoplifter, a former big pop star making an appearance at the store that same day, and more chaos. For myself, Empire Records is more than just a rollercoaster of a movie but my favorite movie ever made.
Left to Right: The iconic "Warren Beatty" (played by Brendan Sexton), Lucas, (Played by Rory Cochrane), AJ (Played by Johnny Whitworth), Corey (Played by Liv Tyler), and Joe (Played by Anthony LaPagila) stunned in amazement by Gina, (Played by Renee Zellwegger) in the Music Town uniform.
Sure, being a teenager now vs. being one in 1995 can be considered vastly different but there are still experiences that we have in common. First crushes, jobs, and worrying about the future. Still, like other timeless classic teen movies such as The Breakfast Club, Empire Records may be seen as edgy but it holds a true message. Throughout the movie, the teens face their issues. Common stress of the future, worrying about self-identity, and struggling to confess true feelings. This one day presents these issues in a way that I've never connected to before, making me feel understood even if I'm not exactly edgy like the main cast.
Some people claim Empire Records is bizarre. I mean, these people have points. This is a film where teens try to do damage with a lady-bic razor, seduce a has-been pop star, and the inevitable shoplifter. These bizarre twists in Empire Records were trying to make a statement. Unlike the previous decade of teen movies, Empire Records was trying to showcase how teens weren't perfect. That teenagers have real concerns and problems, that no teenager is perfect. Yet, Empire Records has this overall message that there is always going to be a group of people or a place where all of us misfits feel accepted. I like to think that Empire Records deserved more credit for presenting a message like this, in an extraordinary fashion. The soundtrack, the message, and the characters make Empire Records memorable today. Hopefully, this movie doesn't fade away in the future.
Easily, my favorite shot and scene from Empire Records. The iconic rooftop declaration between Corey and AJ, where they finally get together, Til I Hear It From You plays, and they share their first kiss. Don't we all want this?
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