Empire Records

Directed by Allan Moyle, Empire Records follows the staff of a music shop, including Anthony LaPaglia’s Joe, Renée Zellweger’s Gina, and Liv Tyler’s Corey, as they prepare for the arrival of a washed-up pop idol named Rex Manning (Maxwell Caulfield). Filmmaker Moyle, armed with a screenplay by Carol Heikkinen, delivers a mostly watchable comedy that never quite becomes as engaging (or memorable) as one might’ve hoped, and there’s little doubt, certainly, that the picture’s far-from-enthralling vibe is perpetuated (and heightened) by its stageplay-like sensibilities (ie there are palpable lulls contained within the periodically stagnant narrative). It’s clear, then, that Empire Records’ mild success is due predominantly to its irresistible ’90s atmosphere (eg the killer soundtrack, entertainingly dated fashions, etc) and raft of appealing performances, as, in terms of the latter, Moyle elicits charming, top-notch work from a cast comprised almost entirely of familiar faces – with LaPaglia’s entertainingly gruff turn as the store’s beleaguered owner standing as an ongoing highlight. (Robin Tunney, cast as a rebellious employee, is just as good here, too.) The feel-good final stretch admittedly does ensure that the whole thing ends on an agreeably positive note, which ultimately does confirm Empire Records‘ place as a decent-enough endeavor that very much feels a product of its time.

**1/2 out of ****