Dull-ywood
Director: Doug Ellin
Running Time: 104 Minutes
Starring: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven, Haley Joel Osment, Billy Bob Thornton
Having never viewed an episode of the HBO series, I cannot judge on how this feature film compares. But that should not matter, as the aim of a TV series moving to the big screen is clear: introduce this world & its inhabitants to potential new fans, while appeasing the existing fanbase. While the film isn't impenetrable to newbies, it leaves a bad impression upon the 2004 series.
Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) agrees to star in an ambitious movie, on the condition it's his directorial debut. 8 months later, and Vince asks his former agent turned studio boss Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) for more money, as he's uncertain whether the film's finished. But he's already asked for money more than once, and Ari's bosses are unhappy about this. Meanwhile, Vincent's friend Eric (Kevin Connolly) is expecting a baby with his ex, while his brother Johnny (Kevin Dillon) may have his role cut from Vincent's film, and their friend Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is in love with Ronda Rousey.
From the opening scene, it's clear what the film's major problem is: Doug Ellin's unfortunately centred it around an extremely contemptible group of misogynists. This douchebag ensemble are meant to be the leads we root for, but come off more like an amalgamation of bad Hollywood stereotypes. It's becomes a trudge to get through their separate storylines, with even the sight of Ronda Rousey beating up Turtle failing to be enjoyable.
The onslaught of cameos do less to fill out the Hollywood backdrop, instead feeling like pointless diversions to divert from the films problematic nature. The uneven nature is clear, as we rush through the inessential Ronda Rousey subplot, while Ari Gold's subplot with his former assistant's wedding stalls. But it's okay, the screen will be bombarded with scantily dressed women, flash cars and other modes of transportation to distract you.
The cameos aren't the only instances of stars being wasted in this film. Haley Joel Osment is merely a constant obstacle in a southern accent, while the most prominent thing Billy Bob Thornton does is talk about the genitals on his wife's chihuahua. That's still more than the female characters are given, being either pregnant, or objects of a sexual or romantic desire.
In the process of bringing his hit TV series to the big screen, Doug Ellin has crafted a shallow film with no real focus, and tries covering it up with pointless cameos. Entourage is an experience bearing little joy, and hopefully the true end to Vincent Chase and his cohorts.
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