DVD Reviews

Entourage - Complete Series 1

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Created by: Doug Ellin. Starring: Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara. DVD Release Date: October 30th.

Vincent Chase (Grenier) is a movie star with his career rapidly on the rise. He moves his two best friends and brother Johnny (Dillon) to Hollywood to bask in the rich and illustrious lifestyle he has garnered for himself (i.e. hot women and celebrity-packed parties).Entourage is the best TV show you never knew existed. Available on these shores only to the lucky few with access to ITV2, it is nonetheless huge across the pond and it's very easy to see why. Every single thing about this show is perfect - from its realistic characters (each with their own well-rounded persona) to the superb, sharp and subtly satiric writing and the best ensemble cast working in television today. Every one of these guys bring something interesting and humorous to the show. Connolly's E grows in stature and confidence as the first season moves along, and comic relief characters Dillon and Ferrara are far too good than they have any right to be in what should be one-dimensional comic roles. Grenier also has the movie star thing down to a T (his looks certainly help); but his understated, charismatic Vincent Chase is never less than likeable. But the real star of the show is one Jeremy Piven as Vince's ostensibly unscrupulous agent Ari, who will stop at nothing to get the deal for his boy. Managing to be intelligent, sleazy, hilarious and even loveable, he is consistently razor sharp. A point in case is during 'Busey and the Beach', (Episode 6) where Ari hears of a rival agent trying to steal his client, makes his way to a party said agent is throwing, and tears this guy a new assh*le; simply one of the funniest scenes I have ever seen on a serial television show, and all in one flawless take. Piven has constantly shone in many a supporting role; but here, he finds the role he may just have been born to play. It would be indolent to simply brand Entourage 'Sex and the City for guys' - but if you threw Swingers and Larry Sanders into the mix, you might just be more than halfway there. Buy and love.

Review by Mike Sheridan