[6]

A bunch of teenagers rally to save their music store from being taken over by a corporate chain. Empire Records takes place almost entirely inside its namesake and features an ensemble of talented young actors, including Liv Tyler, Robin Tunney, and Renee Zellweger. It’s a good cast all around, but my favorite is Ethan Embry, who exhibits a goofy charm in his asides to the camera and in a terrific little scene where he tries to catch the attention of a female shopper. The soundtrack is a non-stop eclectic mix that always fits the mood, and director Allan Moyle (Pump Up the Volume) keeps things brisk and bubbly. With Anthony LaPaglia, Debi Mazar, and Maxwell Caulfield (Grease 2).