With four years between the end of the TV series and the release of the film you’d wonder if Entourage could hold up to the hype that surrounded the successful eight seasons that preceded it. Worry not, it definitely can.
Kicking off just days after season 8 ended, Vince (Adrian Grenier) and the boys are back together at a party of superstar proportions on an expansive yacht off the coast of Ibiza. Apart from the surprising svelteness of Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) they pick up their parts as if they’ve never been away. There are plenty of stars reprising their roles from the show and, of course, the film is jam-packed with guest appearances from stars of all types including T.I. in the doctor’s office to Kelsey Grammer leaving a therapy session and, of course, the obligatory presence of Mark Whalberg harking back to the very first season.
Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osment play a fantastic father and son team of financiers causing more than a slight headache to Vince, Eric (Kevin Connolly) and Ari (Jeremy Piven) and definitely provide some of the highlights of the film.
The seamless transition from small to big screen probably has a lot to do with Doug Ellin remaining on board to write and direct the picture. There was no one else that could have possibly taken up that mantle and carried it successfully.
Entourage was a lot funnier than was initially expected and provided a handful of actual laugh out loud moments. Only a handful of these were in jokes that continued on from the TV series so do not worry if you’ve never seen an episode of the show in your life. As long as you are willing to submit yourself to the completely ridiculous life of a young filmstar, his hapless half-brother, a couple of friends from his hometown and an over the top, egotistical maniac of a studio head for 104 minutes you’ll have a great time.
Entourage is released in cinemas nationwide on 19th June 2015.
Laura Johnson-Clinch