Liv Tyler's belly button is the real star of the show.

Watching this for the first time ever in 2022 was a fever dream and I loved every second of it 😂 If you like The Breakfast Club, I think you’ll appreciate this movie.

Channeling the spirit of John Hughes and the 80s, Empire Records is a sort of Breakfast Club for Generation Z. It's a story of misfits and underdogs thrown together on one ordinary yet extraordinary day that changes things forever. When I discovered this gem via a friend sometime in the very early '00s, I'd watch it on a weekly—nay daily—basis. Amongst our circle of friends it became a cult classic, with characters who are instantly quotable (none more so than Rory Cochrane's zen-like Lucas) and a soundtrack that was legendary (even, and in fact especially, Rex Manning's kitch 'Say No More'). Clearly all these bad reviews have been written by The Man. Damn The Man, save the Empire!

I don't know, looking at reviews I guess I gotta consider this a guilty pleasure. Because I love it, always have. It's a nostalgic good time, features a great soundtrack, fun characters and performances and does a good job of highlighting a youthful optimism.

If you grew up in the 80s/90s this is pure nostalgia goodness. If you didn't, give it a pass. As a member of Generation X this is a good flick to dig out once every few years and remember a time when everything seemed easier.