a hilarious, nostalgic and rocking trip down memory lane!

Rating: 7/10 (24 February 2007)

How did I miss this when It came out? Being that I used to search for movies of this type, I don't see how this gem slipped me by. I just watched saw it for the first time this week(after being inspired by many a glowing IMDb user comment!!) and found it be really terrific. The movie really affected me and watching it was an absolute trip. I want them to do a part two and I just saw part one! I guess I'm a little late in jumping on on the Empire Records train....
This movie is a breath of fresh air. The characters are so relateable. And lovable. Joe is awesome! "Warren Beaty" steals every scene he's in. And it is just so much fun in general. The musical choices are great. The numerous one liners are Brilliant! Of Coarse I saw other movies I've loved reflected in this one (examples being "The Breakfast Club", "Clerks", etc). But I think this had it's own unique charm. It's such a good choice for anyone who's a music fan out there, as well as to anyone who's coming of age and just not really sure what they want and where their going. It's a little less talky then some of the other similar movies and it seems a celebration of freedom and rock-n-roll. I was also strongly reminded of "High Fidelity".
Besides being hilarious, touching and nostalgic all at once, Empire Records also had another effect on me and that was making me want to call all my old buddies from that time period to yell at them to see this great movie....immediately. Unfortunately, I doubt many of them would be able to relate anymore. To the people who CAN relate however, who haven't seen this and who may stumble upon this review....take ninety minutes or so and See this little gem and take your own trip down memory lane.
I will be recommending this movie to the people in my life who I know will dig this peppy flick.