Sunday, June 21, 2015

Entourage

Starring: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven
Director: Doug Ellin
Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Rating: R

If you were a fan of the hit HBO show "Entourage" like me, you will love everything about this film. Inside jokes, people from the crew's past, cameos from nearly everyone in Hollywood - this is pure entertainment. You don't really need to be familiar with the TV series, which ran from 2004-2011, there's enough backstory at the beginning to give you an overview of everyone's "role" in the bunch. These are 5 charismatic (and mostly attractive) actors that have incredible on-screen chemistry. Dare I say this is like "Sex & The City" for men, set in LA? I'll watch as many of these movies as they're willing to make.
Photo Courtesy Eclipse Magazine
Vincent Chase (Grenier) is the star and still a charmer. Eric (Connolly) is the manager (formerly of Sbarro's Pizza and now of Vince) and oddly enough has become quite the ladies' man. Drama (Dillon) is Vince's less than fortunate looking half-brother, chef and wannabe actor, who still steals every scene he's in. Turtle (Ferrara) is the driver turned-Tequila mogul that doesn't have enough lines this go-round. Ari (Piven) is Vince's former agent, who is now a studio head and the most dynamic (read: offensive) on-screen. Piven owns every scene he's in. They couldn't have done a better job casting these gents.

With Vince behind the camera directing for the first time, it's easy to understand why the financiers of "Hyde" are hesitant to sign a check for more money upon request. Ari treks down to Amarillo, TX to meet with said financiers, played by Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osment. This is a wondrous return to a major motion picture for Osment! He doesn't look his best, but his portrayal of a Southern sleazeball is hilarious and quite believable. BBT can really do no wrong, and can really do it all.

A cameo from film producer Mark Wahlberg reminds us that the TV series was loosely based off his life and rise to fame alongside his friends and family. It wouldn't be "Entourage" without a slew of F-bombs, gratuitous sex scenes and glamorous shots of LaLa land. These boys still have the urge to party and a ton of cash, but more importantly, they have each others' backs. I was always sad that the TV episodes were only 30 minutes short, so it was fun getting to watch the boys for thrice that long. I hope they make a sequel - the ending doesn't rule one out. It's not like these guys are doing a WHOLE lot else (unless of course you count Piven in Mr. Selfridge.) Let's get cracking on another, fellas. ASAP.

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