Rating: 
Country: USA
Release Date: June 6, 2006
Distributor: HBO Home Video
Director:
· Craig Zisk
Cast:
· Kevin Connolly
· Adrian Grenier
· Kevin Dillon
· Jerry Ferrara
· Jeremy Piven
Related Sites:
· HBO
Grade: A
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DVD Review: Entourage - The Complete Second Season
by Dan Weltin
Published: June 5, 2006
Vinnie Chase and his boys are back. Season Three of Entourage starts up on HBO next week, but Season Two is ready on DVD now.
Vincent Chase (played by Adrian Grenier) is an actor on the cusp of the big time. He’s got one big movie under his belt and he’s just wrapped up the indie film “Queen’s Boulevard” by acclaimed director Billy Walsh. Of course the Hollywood lifestyle of parties, Lakers games and sushi dinners isn’t much fun by yourself, so Vince has assembled quite the entourage to help him make his big decisions. Along for the ride are Eric aka “E” (Kevin Connolly) who’s Vince’s manager and best friend; Johnny “Drama” Chase (Kevin Dillon) who’s Vince’s older “brother” and an actor currently on his way down, but trying to mount a comeback; and finally, there’s Turtle (Jerry Ferrara), a friend from back home mainly there for the girls, the weed and the sweet connections.
Season Two picks up three months later with the boys returning from New York where they were filming “Queen’s Boulevard.” Eric is ready for sex with his girlfriend while Vince is ready to make good on his promise of doing a big studio picture for his next film. Agent Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) is anxious to get Vince signed on the latest comic-book flick — Aquaman. However, Vince isn’t sold on the idea. Not until James Cameron is picked as director does Vince start to perk up. But by then, it may be too late.
Season Two features 14 episodes (up from eight in Season One) and all feature the central Aquaman storyline. The one ongoing plot makes for a much tighter season. It’s also evident from the start that the writers and actors are more comfortable with the characters. And this time around Vince and E aren’t the only two always in the spotlight. Johnny Drama especially comes to the forefront this season with subplots ranging from calf implants to reliving his stint on “Viking Quest” at the San Diego Comicon.
Since the show is trying to show real life Hollywood, many actors make guest appearances playing themselves. For starters, Season Two features Bob Saget as a new neighbor, Ralph Macchio as a troublemaker at the Playboy Mansion and Mandy Moore as Aquagirl.
The series is loosely based on Mark Wahlberg’s early days in Hollywood. He also serves as executive producer. In the three-disc set’s one bonus feature, Wahlberg sits down with the cast and crew for some behind-the-scenes interviews. Cast members discuss their favorite episodes and viewers get to meet the real life Johnny Drama and Billy Walsh.
Entourage really hit its stride with this season and hopefully Season Three will keep pace. The show continues to grow in popularity – Ari’s catch phrase “Hug it out, bitch” was named one of TV’s best and the episode count for the new season is at 20 (though only 12 will air this summer). Once again HBO proves they are the network with the best shows and Entourage is easily one of the best comedies currently on TV.
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CD Giveaway - Paper Bird, "Rooms"
Ends May 28, 2013
Drifting ever so slightly away from traditional folk music, this Colorado band delivers harmony and energy aplenty. |
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