Entourage: Review

Starring Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven, Rex Lee, Judy Greer (Rated MA – 104 min).

The self gratifying movie continuation of the HBO television series that ran for seven seasons from 2004-2011 has all the same madness and celebrity deluge that helped it become a bit of a small screen cult. It is the kind of show you could watch any episode and just enjoy remiss of what the ongoing plot may be.

Vincent Chase, Turtle, E and Johnny Drama, the gang’s all here, and then some, with a plethora of superstar cameos throughout, some blink or miss so cinephiles keep alert.

Opening scene has the tinseltown boys on a yacht in the waters of Ibiza enjoying themselves as usual at this extravagant floating party. Still ranting, raving, yelling profanities, hotshot agent Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven at his absolute crass best) is now a studio head who goes all out to push a risky project with talented Vince that also serves as the actor’s directional debut. Production eventually goes over budget and Ari needs more money from the Texan financier (Billy Bob Thornton) supporting the film – easier said than done.

Vincent refuses to show anyone anything already in the can. This prompts a halt on funds until his hick son (Haley Joel Osment – that kid who sees dead people in The Sixth Sense) is to accompany Ari and report back with positive news on the film.

Like the series, Entourage on the big screen is an amusing diversion. A behind the scenes look at deals, how movies get made, a walk through studio backlots, and too many cameo appearances to name here. Former Neighbours star Alan Dale is brilliant as a disgruntled studio boss on the hunt for Ari. Andrew Dice Clay and Liam Neeson are my cameo picks, Gary Busey is very odd.

Story arcs including a pregnancy, a baby being born (separate matters) and fling that Turtle has with mixed martial arts fighter Rhonda Rousey is as sweet as it is hilarious.

A sprawling screenplay becomes messy. Retaining interest levels throughout the never-ending famous faces and sharp dialogue, or eye opening, vernacular works spectacularly.

Shane A. Bassett

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