Plot: What’s it about?
About a decade ago, my brother told me I should watch a show on HBO called Entourage. He’d given me similar advice with another show, Dexter in which he said “you and he are weirdly similar.” I wasn’t sure what to think of my brother comparing me to a serial killer and, oddly enough, Michael C. Hall and I share a birthday. Still, that’s neither here nor there. I did check out Entourage and was mildly amused, but didn’t make it a habit to watch. Over the years, I caught a few episodes every now and then, but still it never really caught on for me. Well the eight year run of the show ended a few years back and, like so many other television shows, the leap was to the big screen. Like Sex and the City before it, this HBO series seemed destined for the big screen and considering Entourage is all about Hollywood and making movies…well it all seemed like a part of a master plan. At any rate, the wait is over – true fans rejoice! And for others, like myself, we never really knew it was coming. Nevertheless, let’s make a movie!
*Having never really been a big fan of the show, I don’t really know when these events of this movie take place. I’ll assume it’s about the same time as the show ended.
Vince (Adrian Grenier), Eric (Kevin Connolly), Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon) and Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) are making a movie. Agent turned studio head Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) has given the gang $100 million to make Hyde. The only problem is that Vince is directing and he won’t show Ari any of the dailies. As fate would have it, the project is in need of some additional funds, $15 million to be exact, and Ari must convince some of his financial backers to pony up some more cash. Ari high tails it to Texas to meet with Larsen (Billy Bob Thornton) and his son Travis (Haley Joel Osment), but is denied until Travis can get a sense as to what’s going on. Travis is to see a test screening of the film to assure his dad that things are on the up and up then they get the money. Is it that easy? Oh hell no! The fate of the gang rests on the heels of Travis, else Vince might be done in Tinseltown.
I have to admit that I left out some of the sub plots, like Turtle obsessing over MMA star Rhonda Rousey and Eric having sex with every woman he can (and dealing with a potential pregnancy scare) and the like. I found them a bit disturbing from the main plot, but the main plot is paper thin. As any viewer of the show knows, Entourage is all about the guest stars, most of which play themselves. We’re treated to Bob Saget, Gary Busey, Liam Neeson and Andrew Dice Clay to name just a few. I will say that the one I was most impressed with is Haley Joel Osment. It’s been a while since I (or anyone) has seen the star of The Sixth Sense in a role, but I have to admit that he stole the show (at least, for me). As I’ve said prior, fans of the show will love this movie and for those who aren’t really familiar with the theme…well they might just not get it.
Video: How’s it look?
It’s easy to assume that any film that takes place in the sun-soaked Hollywood Hills will probably look good. And I’m happy to say that the 2.40:1 AVC HD transfer is among the best I’ve seen for a live-action film. Yes, some of the folks look like they’ve spent a bit too much time in the sun (and they probably have), but this has nothing to do with how amazing this movie looks. Detail is amazing, showcasing every, uh…talent on some of the actors. We can see individual hairs, Ari’s perpetual five o’clock shadow and Gary Busey’s prominent top row of teeth. I think in nearly 8000 reviews that’s the first time I’ve made that comparison. Black levels are rock solid, contrast works well and I was hard pressed to find something – anything that downgraded this transfer. This is an outstanding, reference-quality picture.
Audio: How’s it sound?
While not on par with the video quality, the DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack isn’t far behind. Vocals are rich, pure and crisp. The front stage takes a lot of the dynamics, but the surrounds are almost always pumping out something to add to the ambiance. There are parties with music thumping, car tires screech (at least I think they do) and the LFE even get a few moments to shine. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot out of this mix, but I have to admit that it did deliver. Well done!
Supplements: What are the extras?
DVD Extra
- Deleted Scenes – The lone supplement on the DVD features a pretty good sampling of deleted scenes. Running 19 minutes total, some were best left on the cutting room floor and others, I feel, should have been placed in the film. But the usual reason(s) were: timing and pacing of the film.
Blu-ray Exclusives
- The Gang – Still Rockin’ It – Essentially everyone involved in the series/film is here as they reminisce about the near decade-long run of the series, working on the feature film and the like.
- Hollywood, Baby! – More of your standard EPK, this focuses on the movie itself (as opposed to the series) and the stakes, getting the funds to make the movie (life imitating art) and such. Executive Producer Mark Wahlberg is joined by key members of the cast and crew as they wax philosophic about the project.
- The Making of Hyde – The fictional film Hyde, the movie within the movie, is profiled here as is the character played by Vinnie (played by Adrian Grenier).
- Gag Reel – I have to imagine that there were a lot of outtakes and gags on the set, but this is a mere sampling.
- Meet the Newest Member of Entourage – Never let it be said that nepotism doesn’t play a part in, well, anything…
- Lucas Ellin is Jonah Gold – The Director’s son as Jonah Gold (Ari’s son). Celebration ensues.
- DVD
The Bottom Line
Playing out more like a glorfied, extended episode – Entourage: The Movie pretty much delivers what we thought it would. Fans of the show will be right at home here with the gang picking up right where they left off. Plenty of celebrity cameos are in stock and the Blu-ray offers up excellent visuals as well as a nice, robust soundtrack and a smattering of extras. Recommended for fans of the show, others might want to exercise a bit of trepidation before a purchase.
