An Embarrassment to the "Rock 'n Roll Movie" Genre.

Rating: 2/10 (30 September 2004)

This film was a major disappointment. Knowing that 2 of the co-stars later appeared in "That Thing You Do" (one of my favorite Rock & Roll oriented films), gave me false hope that "Empire Records" would be another Rock & Roll music-driven joy-ride. No such luck.
The plot is virtually non-existent, appearing to be made-up-as-they go. The opener has one of the half-dozen co-workers of a CD/record store run off to Atlantic City, determined to quadruple the embezzled daily takings, so the store won't be sold to a ruthless chain. Immediately the story switches to showing how each of the late-teen-ish store workers are "messed up".
A young shoplifter who is prosecuted, then returns with a gun, is forgiven and offered a job (apparently all in the same day). A side-plot shows a has-been Pop-Idol (with far too much pancake make-up) as a shameless womanizing creep. All ends well, when a Party-A-Thon saves the store. Lots of teen-stuff, with references to inappropriate and dangerous behavior, glamourized and made appealing.
This film is a disservice to films of this genre. Teens are not better for watching this poor example of how-to-be-a-success. Harldy any POOR decision has been missed by this teen-angst nightmare. AVOID this film. The small consolation is the VERY GOOD Soft & Hard Rock Sound Track. No other redeeming value. Sorry.