ENTOURAGE Review by Carlos Aguilar.

Audiences parted ways with Vince and his pals in the fall of 2011 following a decade of chasing the Hollywood dream, male bonding via constant partying, and countless guest appearances. “Entourage” became, whether you were a fan or not, an iconic TV show of the 2000s and an alternative to the female-oriented series that were equally as popular during the last decade. These guys were textbook examples of what being a “bro” was all about before “bro-culture” became hyper-popular. But the show was not just hot girls and excess, it also tried, to an extent, to depict the trials and tribulations of a young aspiring actor from a humble background as he tried to find a place among the film industry’s royalty. With his loyal supporters Turtle, Johnny “Drama,” and Eric by his side, Vince conquered many of his dreams and survived personal disappointments galore.

However, that was four years ago, and the vitality of the series in its fans’ minds will be tested once the film opens, because this is unmistakably a project dedicated to those who are already invested on these characters. Trying to get new followers through this movie might prove highly difficult. Everyone in the original cast is back, which is an accomplishment given how long it took to get this made, and there’s even a couple new faces added into the mix. Like one would expect, the boys are still best friends and very much involved in each other’s lives. Still, Vince is who keeps it all together like he always has.

ENTOURAGE

Now that Ari Gold is a studio head, the charming protagonist has convinced him to let him direct his feature debut: an action flick starring himself with a budget of $100 million. Blindly supportive of the kid he found in a toothpaste commercial, Ari agrees though he knows it might a ridiculously stupid idea. Eric is producing and “Drama” has a small part, which he hopes will become the role that catapults his career. Turtle on the other hand, now very slim and confident in his new body, has managed to make his own fortune with a new Tequila brand. The source of his wealth is a recurrent joke due how ludicrously rich he is.

At its core “Entourage” is a film about getting a film made sprinkled with numerous subplots involving each of the five leads, this includes Ari Gold. Piven returns in full form as the obnoxious and neurotic executive and steals the show at every turn, just like he did during the shows 8 seasons. Snarky and often over-the-top cynical, Ari Gold has promised his wife that this time around his job won’t cause him any emotional distress. An utter lie.
When Vince refuses to show the latest cut of the film but requests more funds to finish it, the trouble starts for Gold who must go to Texas to deal with his prime financier, Larsen McCredle (played by Billy Bob Thornton). The mistrusting rancher refuses to give more cash until his sleazy son Travis (Haley Joel Osment) watches the film. This is where the trouble starts for Ari Gold and the gang, because the movie is compromised by one of Vince’s inherent vices – chasing women.

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As expected, there are numerous cameos scattered through the 104 minutes of the film, a few highlights include Liam Neeson, producer Mark Wahlberg, Pharrell, and Jessica Alba. These appearances continue with the show’s recurrent effort to blend its fictional characters with the Hollywood industry. New romantic interests, a few scuffles here and there, Kid Cudi as Ari’s assistant, and Joel Osment’s strangely childish villain enhance the familiar formula that is present in this extra-large episode released in theaters. That’s not to say the film is not entertaining, but it’s honestly not design to work as a film on its own. It’s an extension of a popular product that will definitely satisfy those hardcore fans looking to reignite their love for these dudes. Thanks to Ari Gold’s quotable one-liners even those not as familiar with the storyline or not interested enough to follow along will have a few laughs solely base on his outrageous statements.

Whatever problems some might have had with the original premise of “Entourage” on TV will reappear on the big screen because, whether one considers this a fault or positive quality, the tone is intact. Female characters are present but they hardly get any screen time much less any development, the film industry is portrayed as an outlandish landscape plagued by egos and megalomaniac men, and Vince’s charisma still gets him way farther than his talent ever could. If you have been anxiously craving a dose of testosterone-fueled humor from this batch of lucky jerks, then by all means take your expensive sports car to the theater. On the other hand, if you are trying to remember what “Entourage” was, then wait till it’s on HBO. It will be there.

ENTOURAGE is now playing in theaters nationwide.