Dreaming Bigger

Entourage

From 2004 to 2011, a 30 minute ‘comedy’ was a staple on one of the largest premiere cable channels. HBO has been known more for their drama original programming, but Entourage made a huge name for itself with critics and audiences alike. Based loosely on the life of executive producer Mark Wahlberg (Ted 2), Entourage follows the life of budding A-list actor Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier The Devil Wears Prada) while he navigates the brutal world of Hollywood behind the cameras. Traveling with him on this journey is Vinnie’s older brother, Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon Poseidon), and two of his closest friends Eric (Kevin Connolly He’s Just Not That Into You) and “Turtle” (Jerry Ferrara Think Like a Man) or his ‘entourage’. Throughout his time in Hollywood, Vincent is guided by his egotistical agent Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven Smokin’ Aces) and a slew of other publicists and/or managers.

After eight seasons in the bag and the show ended, Entourage creator (and director) Doug Ellin was bombarded with question of a movie version of the show like Sex and the City. Of course for a show about Hollywood and getting movies made, a big screen outing was the only logical step for Entourage. Well it seems that 2015 is when all of the stars (pun intended) aligned to bring the quintet of Hollywood misfits to movie theatres across the world.

The film picks up literally a week after the series finale and we find the boys single and living the life. Ari has been made studio head of Time Warner and he wants his first movie to star his longtime client Vinnie Chase. However, the only way that Vinnie is going to accept Ari’s offer is if he is allowed to direct the movie has well. Six months later Vinnie has gone over budget and for him to finish the film he needs to ask Ari for more money. For Ari to give Vinnie more money, he must go to his co-financier Larsen McCredle (Billy Bob Thornton The Judge) in Texas to acquire the money. Fearing that his money is not being put to good use, McCredle sends his son, Travis (Haley Joel Osment Tusk), to evaluate the situation in Los Angeles. Vinnie and the rest must now convince Travis to give the project more money or watch all of their careers go up in flames.

I do apologize profusely to all of you that have never seen the show. Unfortunately, like Sex in the City this film was for those of us die-hard fans of the show. It literally has no way of setting up new fans except for those of you that can now binge watch the entire series on HBO Now just to catch up to the events in the film. I can only work with what I got.

With the apologies aside, I actually like the movie. I know that thousands of critics have vomited the words, “it is an extended episode of the show”. Yeah, I know and I loved the show. This is what they all said about The Simpsons Movie and I thought that was great too. I think it should have done a better job of folding a new audience into the guys’ world, but then again that is what kills a lot of movies based on TV shows.  Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Last Airbender, Dark Shadows…do I need to go on?

Piven is outstanding as Ari as usual. Piven is very brash and at times cruel, but at the core of his character Piven is able to show Ari’s loyalty and love for the people he cares for most. The only other performance of any real note is that of Osment. Playing the spoiled rich boy Travis, Osment is breaking out of the childhood shadow that he created years ago. He has great Texas drawl and is able to shine through the countless A-List cameos sprinkled throughout the film. Other than that, the actors and their character counterparts are just as they were four years ago…awesome.

Entourage is not going to be talked about during awards season or going to change your life in any way. That is not what this film was made for. This is a fun and humorous movie that paints a picture of Hollywood that we all think it should be…glitzy and glamourous. I started watching the show for the daydream of the life I wish I had when I was kid aspiring to becoming an actor, but I kept watching the show because of the chemistry this cast has. This movie is really about comradery and loyalty to the friends and loved ones we all have.

So If you were a fan of the show, this film will not disappoint. Entourage is an extension of the show and it has everything that made the show amazing. For those of you that have never seen the show but are intrigued by the trailer for the movie, binge watch the show and then see the film to truly enjoy everything the movie has to offer.

The Verdict: Worth Your Time.