April 8 is celebrated as The Rex Manning Day. For fans of the 1990s, today is a special occasion.

What originated as a story device in the 1995 cult movie Empire Records has now become a pop cultural phenomenon. Every year, fans of the film rediscover Rex Manning, the heartthrob played by Maxwell Caulfield who is scheduled for an autograph session at the film’s titular record store.

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Who is Rex Manning, played by Maxwell Caulfield?

If you’re not aware with the 1995 coming-of-age dramedy Empire Records, it might surprise you to see how many people are honoring this little-known 80s pop icon. The struggles faced by record store personnel are chronicled in the Allan Moyle-directed movie over the course of one day.

Because of Manning’s upcoming visit as well as the store’s financial difficulties, which are putting it in danger of closing, store manager Joe Reaves (played by Anthony LaPaglia) is under a lot of pressure. April 8th is that day.

Manning, played by Maxwell Caulfield, is a fictional 1980s pop icon who visits the titular record store to sign autographs to promote his latest album. “Say No More (Mon Amour),” a synth-driven pop-rock tune from the 1980s, is his most recent release.

Despite the fact that his time as the biggest artist in the world has long since passed, the singer is tremendously self-centered. He says, “Good for you,” when Reaves tells him that the entire staff like his new CD.

In a different scene, a fan tells Manning that he was her favorite musician in high school. Manning then asks the fan, in a very vulnerable manner, “Who is your favorite musician right now?” She freezes in shock and exclaims, “You! Yes, you are still there. Even Debi Mazar, Manning’s manager, dislikes her client’s music.

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Different store staff reacted differently to Manning’s visit. While Debra (Robin Tunney) says she’d rather kill herself than see Rex Manning, Corey Mason (Liv Tyler) intends to offer herself to Manning. Other workers wonder aloud whether Axl Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses, would rescue Manning if he got lost on the side of the road. Axl would turn the wheel, shoot, stomp on the gas, and mash that bugger. Before the musician leaves the store, the staff reprimands him, telling him that his hair is embarrassing and that they detest both his new album and his previous albums. Why don’t you all just fade away? Manning replies.

While Gina (Renee Zellweger) is able to hook up with the “washed-up imposter” despite Mason’s inability to get Manning to have sex with her. Gina does this by correctly predicting the color of his underpants.

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Empire Records

There are several options for moviegoers to watch today. With a FuboTV membership, “Empire Records” is currently obtainable on demand. (free 7 day trial available). If you have the Showtime add-on ($10.99 a month, but also includes a free 7-day trial), you can also watch it on Hulu. Additionally, the film is currently discounted on Vudu, where it can be rented for $2.99 (regularly $3.99) or purchased for $9.99 (regularly $14.99).