Top 10 Reasons to Watch Entourage: the Movie

Sure, you've heard of Entourage but never watched it. Since the series is in its 7^th season, you're probably afraid you'll be lost if you tuned in now. Put those fears away. Fortunately for you, catching up on Entourage couldn't be easier. All seasons of HBO's hit series Entourage are available on DVD ($14.99 each at Amazon or Seasons 1-6 on My Collects for $47.99.)

Another thing you need to know: Entourage is not just for 20-somethings. On the contrary, HBO's Entourage is relevant to every age group and anyone who wants the inside scoop on what really happens in Hollywood today. In addition, Entourage is so popular that Entourage: The Movie is coming to the silver screen.

Entourage: The Plot Line

HBO's hit series Entourage tells the story of Vincent Chase (played by Adrian Grenier), an A-list film star and his rough-around-the-edges pals from Queens, New York as they tackle the mean-but-shiny streets of Hollywood, California. The series aptly handles themes of male bonding and friendship, as well as the wild side of stardom and life in those famed Hollywood hills.

Much of the action centers on conflicts between childhood friends and the Hollywood establishment as both aim to advance Vincent Chase's career in different ways. I particularly enjoy the tension between Vincent Chase's best friend and manager Eric Murphy (played by Kevin Connolly) and his agent Ari Gold (played by Jeremy Piven.) Both are perfect counter balances in Vincent Chase's world. In addition, it's interesting to watch how the Entourage pals navigate their friendship with Vincent Chase while, at the same time, making their own, personal career moves. Most of these don't work out yet they provide both cautionary notes and big time laughs.

Entourage: Great Production Values

What makes Entourage special is that it tracks the rising star of real-life A-lister Mark Wahlberg, not coincidentally one of the show's Executive Producers (along with Stephen Levinson.) Better known as rapper Marky Mark, Wahlberg came to Southern California as a relative unknown as an actor but quickly developed his acting chops in films like The Substitute (1993), The Basketball Diaries (1995), Boogie Nights (1997), The Perfect Storm (2000), The Italian Job (2003), and The Departed (2006) where he scored a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Wahlberg has since expanded his Hollywood portfolio to include impressive credits as a Hollywood producer and director.

Entourage also scores major style points for some pretty cool cameos from among Hollywood's roster of top talent. Among those who have appeared in Entourage episodes include the show's own Executive Producer Mark Wahlberg, actors Jessica Alba, Gary Busey, Scarlett Johansson, Dennis Hopper and Matt Damon, actor/director Larry David, directors Martin Scorsese and James Cameron, among others. Even Jessica Simpson signed onto Entourage to play herself in a 2010 episode.

Yes, indeed, Entourage shows fame from the inside out. But, Entourage distinguishes itself for both its edge and light touch as Vincent Chase and his pals try to make their mark on Hollywood. Of course, Wahlberg's influence can be felt throughout the series. As a result, Entourage feels just about right in its depiction of fame, fortune and stardom. The dialog smacks of irony that only a Hollywood insider could pull off.

Here It Comes -- Entourage: The Movie

Wahlberg has made it no secret that 2011 will see the Entourage series end. At the same time, he's confirmed what many people have wanted to hear for years: that Entourage will find a new home on the silver screen.

Would I buy tickets to Entourage: The Movie? That depends on how well the series adapts to the big screen. Fame and fortune are hardly strangers to the Hollywood script machine. It's been done before, as they say. But, Wahlberg could take a page from Amanda Bynes' playbook. Why is she leaving Hollywood? What was really behind Joaquin Phoenix's departure? Why did Clint Eastwood quit acting to go behind the camera? Why are big stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie talking about, possibly, leaving acting and stardom behind? Probably for a number of good reasons, and what better fodder for Entourage: The Movie. You know the drill: the star becomes disenchanted and the friends either fill the void or go home as well. The agent freaks out. The girlfriend is mystified. The camera keeps rolling, of course, on someone else.

Unless Wahlberg and his partners think of a new twist, like Vincent Chase running for political office, becoming a barrista on Sunset, or volunteering for the Peace Corps, the movie risks becoming a longer episode of the current series or Entourage-Lite. But, time will tell what angle Entourage scriptwriters will take as they bring Entourage to the silver screen. In the meantime, watch and marvel as the Entourage cast take their final bows on Hollywood's walk of fame.

Top 10 Reasons to Watch Entourage: The Movie

Needless to say, Entourage: The Movie will be a big hit and draw a huge audience. Why will everyone want to see this feature film? For several reasons, among them:

Reason 1.Entourage: The Movie will have high production values. The series looks great and the film will look even better.

Reason 2.Entourage is a well-regarded, solid series on HBO that should translate well to the silver screen.

Reason 3.Entourage: The Movie will have a great cast of characters.

Reason 4. As a feature film, Entourage: The Movie will be able to expand the cast or focus its attention on some of the nifty subplots that are currently showcased on HBO's Entourage.

Reason 5.Entourage: The Movie won't take itself too seriously. Like Airplane before it, Entourage is quirky and comedic.

Reason 6. There are any number of great potential, plot lines. The script alone will sell Entourage: The Movie.

Reason 7. There's mass appeal in celebrity, stardom, and Hollywood. 'Enuf said?

Reason 8.Entourage: The Movie has the potential to be a modern-day equivalent of All About Eve-meets-A Star is Born-meets Rock Star.

Reason 9. There's growing interest in Entourage: The Movie, and Mark Wahlberg's commitment to both the series and film will get it done. The audience who currently watches Entourage will gravitate to the film, much like Sex in the City before it.

Reason 10.Entourage: The Movie has great potential as summer blockbuster. It's great concept comedy that will sell lots of tickets during the summer blockbuster season.

HBO's Hit Series Entourage Cast

Adrian Grenier... A-list star Vincent Chase
Kevin Connolly... Chase's best friend and manager Eric Murphy
Kevin Dillon... Chase's older brother Johnny "Drama" Chase
Jerry Ferrara... Chase's old friend Salvatore "Turtle" Assante
Jeremy Piven... Chase's agent Ari Gold

RESOURCES

Entourage
Home Box Office (HBO) Official Website

Entourage
TV Fanatic

Entourage
The Movie Zone (TMZ)

Kevin Connolly Makes 'Entourage' Directing Debut
PopEater

Jessica Simpson to Play Herself on Entourage
UsMagazine

Ultimate Guide to See Stars & Celebrities
www.seeing-stars.com