Synopsis
“Entourage” (2015) is a film that combines comedy and drama, serving as a continuation of the HBO series that was beloved by many and ran from 2004 to 2011. It was directed by Doug Ellin, and it follows the adventures of Vincent Chase and his crew of childhood friends from Queens, New York. The friends have transitioned from living in New York to the lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles. The film serves a mix of glitz and glam, Hollywood politics, and bromance.
“Entourage” picks up immediately after the series finishes. Vincent “Vince” Chase, played by Adrian Grenier, has had his marriage annulled and is ready to start a new project. This time, it is a directorial role, and a sci-fi thriller called Hyde to boot. It will be a move that will require a considerable sum of money for the film, and will cast his ex-wife for the lead role. This overreach will have to get his former agent turned studio head Ari Gold Jeremy Piven to get the project.
Now the fast talking and hot-tempered Ari is running a major studio and begrudgingly gives a go ahead to Vince’s project. However, is quickly forced to return to Dallas to calm down the film’s co-financier as the budget for Hyde exceeds expectations. Larsen McCredle (Billy Bob Thornton), a wealthy oil tycoon from Texas is the co-financier. McCredle, sends out his spoiled and inexperienced son Travis (Haley Joel Osment) to evaluate the film and decide if the funding should be continued.
The main conflict revolves around Travis refusal to endorse the film as a mark of personal vendetta. Travis’s clash with Vince and Ari puts the production at risk. Eric “E” Murphy, Johnny “Drama” Chase and Turtle also deal with their own personal and professional problems.
From his side, Eric balances a producer’s role with his intricate personal life, such as a pregnancy scare with her ex wife, Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui). Formerly a driver for the group, Turtle is now a successful businessman and is attempting to woo UFC champion Ronda Rousey (playing herself). Meanwhile, Drama is in search for a role to pull him out of the obscurity.
As Vince’s career nears collapse and tension reaches a breaking point, the team needs to pull together to protect their friendship, prove their loyalty, and ensure Hyde’s success. Their relationships are tested, but the bonds are not fully severed. This confirms the film’s main point — friendship is everlasting while fame is shallow and temporary.
Cast and Crew
Main Cast
Adrian Grenier as Vincent Chase
Grenier reprises his quirky and charming role as a movie star who is willing to take the risk and try his hand at directing. Vince has evolved from the heartthrob to a man taking on more responsibility and ambitious projects.
Kevin Connolly as Eric “E” Murphy
E is still serving as Vince’s best friend and business manager, balancing the complex dual roles. Connolly serves as the moral beacon of the group.
Kevin Dillon as Johnny “Drama” Chase
Dillon voiced dramatically as Vince’s older half-brother, Drama. His role as the “overreacting” half of the duo brings comic relief to the emotional parts of the story.
Jerry Ferrara as Turtle
Turtle, the group’s driver, has transformed into an affluent businessperson. His character’s relationship with Ronda Rousey brings in a new, unexpected, and comical side story.
Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold
Ari continues to remain the highlighted character. Piven infuses unmatched energy and charm into the role of the studio head father, as he struggles to maintain a balance between control, family, and pride.
Supporting Cast:
Billy Bob Thornton as Larsen McCredle
Larsen, a prominent oil magnate funding Vince’s movie, is both detached and controlling.
Haley Joel Osment as Travis McCredle
Portrayed as immature and arrogant, Travis becomes an antagonist to Vince’s project.
Emmanuelle Chriqui as Sloan McQuewick
Sloan, as E’s Ex-wife and the mother of his child, shows the emotional investments he has.
Perrey Reeves as Mrs. Ari Gold
She helps balance the chaos in Ari’s life, and anchors his transformation, as a devoted wife.
Ronda Rousey as Herself
As Turtle’s love interest, Rousey injects a dose of reality into the fiction.
Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Alba, Armie Hammer, and others appear in brief cameos, continuing the series’ tradition of blending fiction with real Hollywood.
Crew:
-Director & Writer: Doug Ellin
As the creator of the original TV series, he maintains the continuity in tone, humor, and character arcs.
-Producer: Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Doug Ellin, and others
Wahlberg, who the original series was based on, returned as a producer and makes a cameo.
Music: Joseph Trapanese
The soundtrack is filled with engaging hip-hop, rock, and electronic music, all of which perfectly complement the pacing of the film.
Cinematography: Steven Fierberg
The visuals are polished and glitzy, epitomizing the lavish lifestyle of Los Angeles alongside its sun-soaked landscapes, and they depict the city Los Angeles in a way that is eager to show its splendor.
IMDb Ratings & Critical Reception
Currently, Entourage has a 5.9/10 rating on IMDb, with approximately 10,000 reviews. Reception has been a bit mixed, and the critics seem to be underwhelmed, especially those who were not fans of the original show.
Audience vs. Critics
Fans of the series were mostly satisfied with the film, stating that it stuck to its roots and provided closure. For them, the film’s pace matched the show: carefree and filled with testosterone. Praise flowed for on-screen chemistry, and for Ari Gold’s explosive return as a Hollywood power player.
Critics panned the film, stating it was poorly executed with a shallow plot, overwritten with misogynistic themes, and overly self-indulgent. “Shallow” was a common choice, especially in regard to the inside jokes, cameos, and lack of stand-alone depth. Another common theme was the idea of glamorizing television and failing to evolve past its roots.
Box Office Performance
Entourage made about $49 million worldwide, surpassing the $27-30 million budget. While not a commercial failure, the film underperformed relative to expectations considering how the original series had a loyal fanbase. This theatrical disappointment stemmed from the film’s failure to broaden its audience.
Conclusion
The film Entourage is catered almost exclusively to the fans of the original HBO series. Describing it requires phrases like loud, fast, flashy, and unapologetically indulgent. Literally, a bro-fantasy wrapped in gold. It does not win any awards for depth or originality- but it delivers as it promises a return to a world of fame, fortune, and unwavering loyalty.
To those who enjoyed the mix of humor, celebrity cameos, and the aspirational lifestyles in the TV show, the movie serves to elicit a long and satisfying encore. But for those who are newcomers or those who expect a layered satire of Hollywood, Entourage may feel like an extended episode rather than a fully fleshed-out film. Regardless, it serves as a nostalgic farewell to one of the most talked about male friendships in modern television.
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