Details
Movie TitleEmpire Records
Release DateSeptember 22, 1995 limited / October 20, 1995 wider release
TaglineOpen ’til midnight.
Runtime90 minutes
DirectorAllan Moyle
Screenplay Written ByCarol Heikkinen
Produced ByArnon Milchan, Michael Nathanson, Alan Riche, and Tony Ludwig
Is It a Remake?No. It is an original coming-of-age comedy-drama.
BudgetApproximately $10 million
Box OfficeApprox. $273,593 worldwide theatrical gross reported by Box Office Mojo
Main Cast
Anthony LaPagliaJoe Reaves
Maxwell CaulfieldRex Manning
Debi MazarJane
Rory CochraneLucas
Johnny WhitworthA.J.
Robin TunneyDebra
Renée ZellwegerGina
Liv TylerCorey Mason
Ethan EmbryMark
Coyote ShiversBerko
Brendan Sexton IIIWarren
James “Kimo” WillsEddie
Awards
⭐ No verified Academy Award nominations found.
⭐ No verified Golden Globe nominations found.
⭐ No major verified awards recognition found.
⭐ Legacy Note — Despite poor theatrical box office, the film became a major 1990s cult favorite through home video, cable, soundtrack culture, and Rex Manning Day fandom.
Short Plot Summary
The employees of Empire Records learn their beloved independent music store may be sold to a corporate chain called Music Town. After Lucas tries to save the store by gambling away the night deposit in Atlantic City, the staff scrambles to raise the money while also dealing with breakups, secrets, shoplifting, personal crises, and a visit from washed-up pop star Rex Manning. By closing time, the store’s misfit family must decide what Empire Records is really worth fighting for.
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Key Quotes
“Damn the man. Save the Empire.” — Mark
“Who knows where thoughts come from? They just appear.” — Lucas
“I do not regret the things I have done, but those I did not do.” — Lucas
“What’s with today today?” — Lucas
“Say no more, mon amour.” — Rex Manning
Trivia
Director
- Empire Records was directed by Allan Moyle.
- The screenplay was written by Carol Heikkinen.
- The 3 Guys and a Flick ratings page lists the film as Episode 102 with Allan Moyle as director.
Cast / Casting
- Anthony LaPaglia plays Joe, the store manager trying to protect his employees and the business.
- Maxwell Caulfield plays faded pop star Rex Manning.
- Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, Robin Tunney, Rory Cochrane, Johnny Whitworth, and Ethan Embry anchor the young ensemble.
- Brendan Sexton III plays shoplifter Warren, one of the most memorable recurring chaos agents in the store.
Soundtrack / Score
- The movie is strongly remembered for its 1990s alternative-rock soundtrack.
- The soundtrack includes artists such as Gin Blossoms, The Cranberries, Edwyn Collins, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and The Martinis.
- Rex Manning’s fictional music-video performance of “Say No More, Mon Amour” became one of the film’s signature comic bits.
Location
- The story is set inside and around an independent record store in Delaware.
- The film was shot in Wilmington, North Carolina.
- The store setting turns the movie into a one-day hangout comedy built around staff drama, music, and retail chaos.
Behind-The-Scenes
- The theatrical cut was significantly shortened from the filmmakers’ original version.
- A longer “Remix! Special Fan Edition” was later released, restoring deleted scenes and expanding character moments.
- The film was released by Warner Bros. and Regency Enterprises.
- The movie earned only a small theatrical gross but developed a much stronger life after theaters.
Nostalgia
- Empire Records became a defining 1990s cult movie for fans of record stores, alternative music, and Gen X slacker comedy.
- Rex Manning Day is celebrated by fans every April 8.
- The movie’s style, soundtrack, fashion, and ensemble energy have kept it alive far beyond its original box-office run.
Easter Eggs
- “Damn the man. Save the Empire.” became the film’s unofficial rallying cry.
- The fake Rex Manning persona parodies aging pop idols trying to stay relevant in a changing music landscape.
- The Music Town threat reflects 1990s anxiety about corporate chains overtaking independent record stores.
Misc.
- Empire Records had a limited U.S. release on September 22, 1995 and is also commonly listed with an October 20, 1995 release date.
- The movie runs 90 minutes.
- The film is rated PG-13.
- Your 3 Guys and a Flick ratings page lists Don at 3.00, Ken at 3.00, Jon at 3.00, and the Overall Rating as 3.00.
Sources Cited
3 Guys and a Flick — Ratings
3 Guys and a Flick — Episode 102
IMDb — Empire Records
IMDb — Full Cast & Crew
IMDb — Awards
IMDb — Quotes
Box Office Mojo — Empire Records
Rotten Tomatoes — Empire Records
Wikipedia — Empire Records
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