Damn the man.

The hilariously adorable 90s cult favourite EMPIRE RECORDS is turning 25 (!) this month, so we’re gonna celebrate like it’s Rex Manning Day (it’s not – but you knew that) by giving it the big screen treatment it so richly deserves.

Featuring a seriously killer soundtrack and a cast of all-stars before they were all stars, this sweet and funny ensemble film is set in one of those independent brick-and-mortar places that used to sell something the kids called “records.” (See also: Vinyl, cassettes, and CDs.)

Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) runs Empire Records, an independent Delaware store that employs a tight-knit group of music-savvy youths. Hearing that the shop may be sold to a big chain, slacker employee Lucas (Rory Cochrane) bets a chunk of the store’s money, hoping to get a big return. When this plan fails, Empire Records falls into serious trouble, and the various other clerks, including lovely Corey (Liv Tyler) and gloomy Deb (Robin Tunney), must deal with the problem, among many other issues. Also starring Renee Zellwegger, Ethan Embry, Robin Tunney, Debi Mazar.

As always, appropriate attire is welcome and encouraged – so bring on the plaid-flannel-mohair whatevers and dust off your Docs for this one.

“‘Empire Records’ strikes a chord with people because of not in spite of its flaws. It’s a fun, immensely enjoyable celebration of the irrepressible optimism of youth.” (Decider)

Tuesday, October 6
Doors 8:30 pm| Movie 9:00 pm
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

Sunday, October 11
Doors 6:45 pm | Movie 7:05 pm Final Showing!
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

*Minors permitted in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this screening.

PLEASE NOTE: All of the Rio Theatre’s screenings are operating at a sharply reduced capacity. We can’t guarantee availability of tickets at the door, so advance tickets for all screening events are strongly recommended. Our online box office can be found at www.riotheatretickets.ca. Online sales for every screening automatically end 1 hour before any given showtime.

EMPIRE RECORDS (Allan Moyle, 1995 / 14A / 100 mins) A day in the life of the employees of Empire Records. Except this is a day where everything comes to a head for a number of them facing personal crises – can they pull through together? And more importantly, can they keep their record store independent and not swallowed up by corporate greed?