Which Is Better, Empire Records or Hi Fidelity?

[Volcane]

Thinking of purchasing then watching these but is one better than the other significantly enough to warrant only one purchase?

[tomdkat]

I enjoyed Empire Records much more than Hi-Fidelty.

Peace...

[1138]

They're very different while being similar. Empire is about young kids on the cusp of adulthood. Fidelity is about midlife turning points and settling down.

While I like Empire better, they're both worth checking out.

[Lex M]

High Fidelity is directed by the world-class Stephen Frears.

Empire Records is directed by Allan Moyle and has a cast that includes Ethan Embry.

That oughtta settle it.

[Surf Monkey]

From my perspective Empire Records sucks. It's not worth the time it takes to watch it. High Fidelity is a classic. Excellent film in every respect.

[Notoriousaurus]

Wutg the exception of the record store setting. The movies are intirely different. High Fidelity is about reflecting on life, through music, with grand drama and much seriousness amongst the jokes. Empire Records was Breakfast Club 1990s style, without 98% of the drama.

I like both movies. But I say go High Fidelity, because it has Cusack and therefore beats the snot out of every movie known to man that does not have Cusack.

[Dilmo]

I really liked Empire Records.

[Jellodyne]

Hi Fidelity makes my all-time top 5 list of movies set in or around a retail media establisment.

[projecteightysix]

Originally Posted by Surf Monkey

From my perspective Empire Records sucks. It's not worth the time it takes to watch it. High Fidelity is a classic. Excellent film in every respect.

I agree 100%.

Abunch of people I know kept saying MAN YOU GOTTA SEE EMPIRE RECORDS its the FUNNIEST movie EVER.

so.... i watched about 3/4ths of it... it was so boring. I hated the characters, and the story was just not interesting to me.

High Fidelity all the way.

[manicsounds]

Empire Records I liked when I was..... 16 or however old I was.
High Fidelity is much better to me at this moment.

If you were a teenager in the mid 90's
Empire Records was a dream in a way.

High Fidelity now to me was more like watching a 'relevant' film,
and plus, Cusack, Black? Damn good.

[Zypn]

I also enjoyed High Fidelity a lot more than Empire. Cusack really made it a believable experience for me. I also enjoyed Jack Black's character (COSSBYY SWEATTAA) as well, it reminded me of a lot of people I know. Empire Records still remains ok in my book, but nowhere near High Fidelity.

[Hardcore Legend]

I'd have to agree with the guy that said High Fidelty was in his Top 5. It's in my Top 5 rotation on DVD. For a stretch there I would watched either Grosse Pointe Blank or High Fidelty once a week.

I really enjoyed the storytelling in HF. The way it is narrated with the outofbody moments. The soundtrack is killer as well. The conversations the employees have were very similiar to those my friends and I would have about films, before I met all you wonderful people. I enjoy the theme of HF, that no matter how much of a slacker you are you can atleast guarantee yourself free music and sex with Lisa Bonet. That's uplifting. My generations Terms of Endearment.

NOTE: If anyone has Bonet singing 'Baby I Love Your Way', I would appreciate a PM. I can't stand the song, but like they say in the film, she does it very well.

[Gene Simmons]

Yep, High Fidelity is a much better movie. It stands the test of time, unlike Empire Records which was extremely forgettable.

Cusack is unreal in it, he does a terrific job.

[jmoney]

I'm a fan of Empire Records.

[PolloDiablo]

I like both but I wouldn't hesitate to say that High Fidelity is definitely the better film.

Empire Records is definitely a fun movie, and if you grew up in the mid 90's then you'll probably enjoy the attitude, cultural references, & music in the film more than those who are a little older. I know there are definitley films that represent the 90's better such as Slacker, Clerks, or Reality Bites, but I've always had a soft spot for Empire Records in a nostalgic sort of way.

High Fidelity on the other hand is a much better film, the writing and characters are wonderful and it has John Cusack doing what he does best, being angst ridden and love troubled. Jack Black & Todd Louiso as Barry & Dick, two of the employees at Rob's record store, are such great supporting characters that you'll find yourself wishing they had larger parts, and though he only has a supporting role Jack Black is definitely at his best here and if you like him you should certainly see this.

[Scourge]

I like both Empire Records and Hi Fidelity, but also think Hi Fidelity is a more relevant film.

Originally Posted by PolloDiablo

Empire Records is definitely a fun movie, and if you grew up in the mid 90's then you'll probably enjoy the attitude, cultural references, & music in the film more than those who are a little older. I know there are definitley films that represent the 90's better such as Slacker, Clerks, or Reality Bites, but I've always had a soft spot for Empire Records in a nostalgic sort of way.

I think Linklater's Suburbia is better than all those.