Empire Records - S10 E75

Get ready to "Damn the man! Save the Empire!" because this week on Shoot The Hostage, Dan and Sarah are diving deep into the gloriously messy, utterly 90s, and undeniably flopped cinematic experience that is Empire Records (1995).

It’s not quite Rex Manning Day just yet, depending on when you're listening, but we're close enough to celebrate this box-office flop that holds a special, possibly embarrassing, place in at least one of our hearts.

Join us as we try to figure out why this ensemble piece, directed by Allan Moyle and written by Carol Heikkinen, starring a fresh-faced bunch including Liv Tyler, Renèe Zellweger, Robin Tunney, Ethan Embry... and even a fleeting credit for a certain Tobey Maguire (who may or may not have been lost to the 90s haze on set) failed to ignite the box-office despite its killer soundtrack.

Expect the usual blend of questionable observations and sarcastic commentary as we dissect this quintessential movie released in the 90s. We also ponder:

• Questionable romantic gestures involving feet
• Sarah's nostalgic love for this film and Dan's slow but steady descent into not-quite-hate
• Our general bewilderment at the sheer volume of music crammed into 90-odd minutes
• Comparisons to the Breakfast Club (which we covered – check it out)
• And why this might have flopped at the box-office

If you're a fan of hangout movies in the vein of Richard Linklater's character-driven narratives or the retail-centric vibes of early Kevin Smith flicks, you might find something to love (or at least tolerate) in Empire Records.

So, tune in for spoilers aplenty, personal anecdotes, and a deep dive into a film that may have flopped at the box office but definitely left a lasting impression (on some of us, anyway). You might even find yourself wanting to celebrate Rex Manning Day after listening… or maybe not. You’ve been warned!

Season 10 runs until May 26th with 10 episodes this time

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