"Entourage" (2015)

The boys are back. And it doesn’t even seem like they’ve missed a beat. A fantastic romp through the Hollywood roadmap of celebrity AND boys hanging with the boys. The premise is simple, Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) wants to direct the next big movie he is in. Naturally, from the previous 8 seasons, it’s a perfect segue. He’s shed a lot of extra weight from previous movies (in terms of hanging story lines) and is on the prowl again. And boy is it fun. Except, he isn’t the one having all the fun. His friends are. And that’s okay with him. The business understands these people are the satellites around his stardom, but within the group they all have their drama. His massive budgeted directorial debut just went overbudget. More drama!

Speaking of Drama. Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon) is brilliant. A heartbreak kid who is now an over grown vain man-child who is put through the cruel wringer of Hollywood. His younger brother is far more successful than him. His career gets a boost from bad publicity, he’s being tortured at every step of his climb in this world that a) doesn’t want him b) doesn’t know who he is. ANYONE who’s worked in the movie business knows this person. The guy that won’t give up. And Dillon is amazing in it. He gives the heart of the movie. A schlub from Queens who doesn’t quit. And that’s endearing.

The contrast to this is the shark, Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven). A blustery insult dispensing bobble head who has the one line gems. What could sound forced and made-just-for-movie dialogue, glides off Piven like a wonderful abusive uncle. But you can still feel the love. Because we see he gets it worst than he gives it.

A few surprises…Billy Bob Thornton as a Texas tycoon (of some kind) dangling the over-budget of the movie. His money is what is the thorn in Ari’s side. And this IS painfully real. When you take money from sources that don’t know or don’t care how movies work, it is a train wreck you’re desperately trying to switch tracks. Thornton gives a real poignant statement at the end that drives the business (business in general really) home. Where egos and humility kill you from the inside.

I really love that this was a movie. Had to be. And it operates like a fantastic view of Hollywood, albeit COMPLETELY bullshit. I don’t see this many ridiculously beautiful people just walking around randomly. Especially around Hollywood.

They do remind me of a group of guys I use to hang out with. They did have this "charmed" life. Although it turned to be much darker later, the feeling was the same. Beautiful young people amble through Hollywood, sometimes as ethereal as Vinny Chase, whilst the only loyalty you have are the friends you had from "back in the day."