charming little gem

Rating: 9/10 (4 September 2016)

As I sit there watching DVDs, I very often tell myself I'm great at selecting glamorous, likable TV shows, but when it comes to movies... There are so many I watch that just doesn't hit it off with me. TV show characters tend to become friends, a movie is very different, everybody's a stranger, I don't care for them.
Well, happy to say that EMPIRE RECORDS is a big hot hit with me. It's a small production with a lot of heart that beats a lot of much-bigger movies simply because it is likable, with likable characters. And what a treat to see Renée Zellweger during her glory days! And Liv Tyler entering her STEALING BEAUTY phase. A dream cast, with those two going on as if they're in an Aerosmith music video!
Yeah, back then, they weren't big marquee names. Now it is an oddity to see their names so low on the cast list.
Not saying it's perfect. I found the first half to be very promising, with the second half a letdown in many places. There are characters (like Jane) going nowhere, just wasting space. But overall, I can see why there is a board poster so obsessed with it, the dude wrote a self- proposed TV series sequel, and, yes, I would have watched.
I heartily recommend this one. It's fun! And, guys, Liv and Renée are hot! Prima quality eye candy!