Wonderfully Terrible: Empire Records

In my experience cult movies develop a strong following for one of two reasons. The first is a unique viewpoint. Something that sets it apart from mainstream films and resonates with the audience in a unique way (i.e. the musical rock n roll sexual liberation of Rocky Horror Picture Show or the campy weirdness of John Waters' films). On the other end is nostalgia, or put more succinctly a movie you watched and latch onto in your youth thus making it far easier to forgive flaws and brush aside haters. I bring this up because nostalgia is the only reason I can imagine people latching onto today's Wonderfully Terrible movie: Empire Records.

The movie centers around the titular record shop during a troubling time. After a stupid attempt to double the managers profits in Atlantic City, the store is now in danger of being bought by a chain and losing its quirky flavor. However, financial troubles are just the tip of the iceberg as the employees deal with identity crises, unrequited romance, and a troubled shoplifter.

In case the intro didn't give it away, I was not a fan of this film. My reasons will become more apparent deep down, but I had a genuine interest in this one and found myself consistently let down. That said there's a handful of redemptive qualities.

The Wonderful

The Cast

It's hard to say that this movie is poorly acted since the cast is full of movie regulars. The most noteworthy players are the waifish Liv Tyler, who has always had an interesting mixture of innocence and sex appeal about her, and Renee Zellweger as her free-spirited friend. These are most noteworthy but you'll certainly recognize a ton of these folks including Robin Tunney (who's in another 90s cult film The Craft) and long term character actor Anthony LaPaglia. And holy crap is that's Tobey Maguire!

The Soundtrack

Remember when soundtracks had decent current music? Well here's a shining example with a collection of grunge fun used throughout the film. It's been awhile since I've heard Sponge's "Say A Prayer."

The Terrible

It's Not Terribly Funny and It's Oddly Melodramatic.....In General Just A Ton of Tone Related Problems

Empire Records biggest problem is a lack of focus or discernible identity. One on hand the movie seems to be about a band of outcasts banding together to "stick it to the man" (a phrase that is used far too frequently with a straight face) and save a place they love. On the other there's about seven different bits of teenage melodrama playing out all at once in problems that range from suicide, pill addiction, and a child literally bringing a gun into the establishment as a way of reaching out.

The movie is full of jarring shifts. For instance, one of the day's main events is the arrival of a Tom Jones-esque singer named Rex whom the employees spend most of the day mocking for being a gigantic douche. Not a hilarious bit for me, but mildly amusing. That is until Liv Tyler's character tries to initiate a sexual encounter with him (likely statutory rape?) and is humiliated right before being told by her long time male friend that he loves her and then her friend sleeps with Rex as a spite move and oh my god am I supposed to be laughing or crying right now? And that's just one character's storyline.

Movie's like this are the hardest for me to watch because the lows are so low that it dulls the highs. I'm still recovering from the last scene or reveal and the movie is telling me to laugh or get inspired. Sorry friends. I need some time. 

It certainly doesn't help that there's plenty of better films about either teen angst (see all the eighties John Hughes movies) and snobbish record store employees (High Fidelity). You can certainly mix and match your melodrama, romantic/friendship problems, and even financial stress into a single package, but you've got to balance things a bit better and give me characters I actually relate to and care about.

Verdict: Good For Nostalgia Bad For Folks Coming in Cold

While Empire Records may entertain and amuse nineties kids, I can't see much value for anyone who isn't already familiar with the film. There's simply not enough memorable moments or general amusement to be had. This is one you can skip.