This week:
"I do not regret the things I have done, but those I did not do." - Lucas from Empire Records.
With all the crap going on the world, it's good to go back to the good ol' days of the 90's. What better than to revist the epic 90's movie about a saving a record store from "the man"?! That's right - it's Empire Records!
Just as the grunge era was slowly fading away and before boy bands made their comeback, there was a middle period in the 90's where rockin music dominated and life was simple. Empire Records (1995) captures the fighting spirit and quirkiness of that period.
Made in 1995, Empire Records is about teen employees of a record store (back when they existed) saving their store from being bought out by a much larger music store company that would bring down the independent spirit and conform to corporate standards. Ironically, the film was written by a former employee of the now defunct Tower Records.
Along the way of saving their music store, the teens deal with typical young drama - a young woman's crush and mission to lose her virginity to a semi-washed up pop singer (Rex Manning), a confused boy trying to figure out what to do with his future (A.J.), a young girl's attempt at suicide (Deb), the friendship between a pill popping stressed chick (Corey) and her "loose" friend desperate for attention (Gina), and the kids who just like to get high and do nothing (Eddie & Mark).
Mark is crazy!!! Crazy for some pot brownies and GWARRRR!
But the main story is the teen on a mission (Lucas) to stop his boss (Joe) from selling the store to the evil Music Town. Lucas goes to the extreme to try and earn the money for Joe to keep the store. He takes a trip out to Atlantic City with the money he took from counting the drawer of the store -- gets lucky at first -- then loses it all. Joe quickly finds out -- glues Lucas to the couch (and at one point beats the crap out of him) -- and tries to figure what to tell the owner of his store that wants to sell it to Music Town.
Lucas is a stone cold pimp master.
The film stars a bunch some Hollywood well-knowns in much younger form. Gina, the slizz-like chick craving attention is played by Renne Zellweger (before she wrote diaries). Corey, the girl who wants to lose it all to super lame Manning, is played by Liv "My-dad-likes-crack" Tyler. Joe, the badass record store manager, is played by Anthony LaPaglia. Lucas, the zen-like rescuer of the store, is played by Rory Cochrane (Slater from Dazed and Confused).
JAILBAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the process of saving the store from the man, the film develops several other subplots such as the employees confronting Deb about her suicide attempt. She responds by going all G.I. Jane-like (shaving her head) and they hold a fake funeral to wake her up. Another subplot is A.J.'s super crush on Corey -- who is too enamored with Rex to notice until the end of the movie (only after Gina does Rex on the copy machine). Meanwhile Gina exposes Corey's addiction to pills to help her study (Jesse from Saved by the Bell anyone?) and Mark -- well he just eats some "special brownies" and encounters GWAR.
Is it Demi Moore from G.I. Jane? Natalie Portman
from V for Vendetta? Nahhh, it's just Deb.
from V for Vendetta? Nahhh, it's just Deb.
My two favorite subplots of the film are the intricate relationship between Lucas and his father-like figure Joe and the trashing of Rex Manning. Manning represents all that is wrong with music - with David Hasselhoff like looks and cheezy chick music. The record store hosts a "Rex Manning Day" where 90 year old women confess their love for him and employees are forced to kiss his arrogant ass. But after he deters Corey from trying to do him and bangs Gina in the copy room; the employees tell him like it really is and he fades away.
Friggin Rex Manning Day
The movie progresses as Joe slowly supports the plight of his employees and takes on their fight to the owner of the store. The gang hold a blast block party where a band rocks out on the roof of the store, beer is pumped from kegs and drank by underage teens (without a damn permit), and enough money is made for Joe to buy the store from the owner. Even the kid who tried to hold up the store (Warren) joins the fold as it's newest employee. A happy ending is had by all as A.J. hooks up with Corey, Gina rocks the mic in "Sugar High", and everyone has a dance-party on the roof. Can you get any more 90's?!
You know Joe is badass cause he rocks the drums!
(Random note - what is it with Liv Tyler and boy's named A.J.??!)
Empire Records represents all the innocence and pluck of the 90's. Record stores and teenage confusion about life -- takes me back to the good ol' days. While the film bombed in theatres and was smacked around by critics -- it has developed a cult following over the years as people come to appreciate the simplicity of it and the spirt behind it. Who doesn't like a win for the little guys?!
As one can expect, the film features a rockin soundtrack with music from the Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Better than Ezra, and yes, even the Cranberriers (ZOMBIEEE!). The music takes you back and the film reminds you of all that was once simple in the world.
Unfortunately, the film ironically forecasts the future without even knowing it. Record stores like Coconuts, Tower Records, and vintage shops have all shut down and gone by the wayside due to the climb of the iTunes giant. Almost nobody collects records and CD's anymore and whatever fight was left in the 90's died down as the corporate age took over. The no-selling-out spirit of the grunge and post grunge rock era was shot and taken down by boy bands and crappy rock music like Creed and Nickelback. (Honestly I just wanted to take a shot at Nickelback)
This says it all...
Empire Records is by no means a masterpiece. It's plot is terribly predictable and the drama in it is silly. Some of the acting isn't very convincing and it avoids notions of reality. That being said, it's not supposed to be a gripping drama , it's just simply a fun good-time movie that the viewer enjoys. The classic tale about the little guy triumph over "the man" may be a rehashed plot - but Empire Records succeeds in keeping its audience entertained. In the Eric ratings chart (follows much like the Michael Scott ratings system from the "Beach Games" episode of The Office) -- Empire Records nets 6 points, 3 gold stars, and 1 1/2 thumbs up. (Yes I cut off half a thumb)
Now before I go to the hospital for blood-loss from my half cut-off thumb here's one of my favorite scenes from the movie as they say "Damn the Man, Save the Empire!" and rock out to Sponge:
Plowed:
As always - if you have any suggestions for the next review - leave it in the comments!
