Review ‘Entourage’ (2015) From The Editor

Movie star Vincent Chase, together with his boys Eric, Turtle, and Johnny, are back – and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold on a risky project that will serve as Vince’s directorial debut.

Rolling into theaters after the hit HBO comedy series overstayed its welcome with a few underwhelming seasons, the Entourage movie is both a little too late to revitalize the property in any meaningful way, but a nice enjoyable piece of fan service that is both satisfactory and a slight return to form.

Entourage is a funny film featuring the camaraderie and friendly ribbing between the four leads (Vincent Chase, his brother Johnny, E, and Turtle) but the journey through the glamorized hedonistic lifestyle of Hollywood is a bumpy one. Right off the bat it is clear the movie is trying to amend some of the television show’s mistakes, as studio executive Ari Gold who ended the last season as some sort of NFL hotshot, is now a movie producer.

None of this is explained in the film but apparently is explained in various articles online, but that isn’t good enough. Unless it’s a plot point from the show crossing into the film, important character events such as this should at least be glossed over in the actual movie even if it’s just for a minute.

Yes, “Entourage” has as many cameo stars as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at times, with Jessica Alba on a studio lot and Liam Neeson flashing his “Taken” glare from behind a steering wheel and Mark Wahlberg (whose life served as inspiration for the show) and his boys turning up, too.

That is part or much of the appeal of the movie, which doesn’t require knowledge of the 96 HBO episodes. As with 2008’s “Sex and the City,” set three years after TV viewers left the core four, such background will make this a different, more satisfying experience than if you can’t tell “E” from Turtle.

To be clear, no one is saving lives or exploring the secrets of the universe here, but rather just having fun and making the most of its show biz bedrock and all that means, from invite-only movie screenings and insanely extravagant gifts and rides to, of course, award shows.

Its take on industry politics might be thinly sketched, but it provides a novel backdrop, and Jeremy Piven’s energetic Ari remains a compelling character. Though the script might seem simplistic, there is a certain skill to making it all seem so smooth.

To be clear, no one is saving lives or exploring the secrets of the universe here, but rather just having fun and making the most of its show biz bedrock and all that means, from invite-only movie screenings and insanely extravagant gifts and rides to, of course, award shows.

Entourage is like an enthusiastic puppy, slightly tipsy on beer, humping on a stripper’s leg, but desperate to please nonetheless. It is a film designed to be liked – which makes it hard to hate.

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