Spoiler Alert: it’s going to be amazing, but we’re sure you already knew that.

That Grape Juice was privileged to be on hand for a private screening of the highly anticipated return of OWN‘s breakaway hit ‘Tyler Perry’s The Haves & The Have Nots’.  Hosted at Grand Tribeca Hotel in New York City, the cast and industry tastemakers alike piled in for an exclusive preview for what, unbeknownst at the time, would be an unforgettable, 42 minute thrill ride.

Any doubt that the series’ season 2 premiere would not do justice to its season 1 cliff-hanger of an ending were quickly erased as the show went from zero to 100 within the first few minutes of airing.  The first captivating minutes alone were just swift reminder that ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ is a show that loves being bad and is so deliciously good at it.

Season 2’s premiere fulfills its promises of being #toodarnhot and brings viewers everything they are looking for in 42 minutes – palpable tension, entangling cast relationships (almost to a frustrating level), and comedic relief.  Well delivered comedic relief we might add.  Unexpected given that the over-the-top action on the show – a decorative “shade olympics” one might say – doesn’t border on the overflow of cheesy some might expect from a “soap opera”.

We give this one a definite A+ and hope the seasonbbrings with it more of what episode 1 was drenched in – discovery, sexiness, revenge, conflict, ambition, but most importantly, growth.  For, in all of its cattiness and thrilling moments, the show tackles some serious issues through the lens of imperfect people – a mainstay in Tyler Perry productions.

Take a word of advice from us – make sure your wig is secure before watching this premiere.  You’ll thank us later.

Your thoughts?

Not even three months after the untimely death of pop megastar Whitney Houston, a who’s who of Hollywood songstresses and actresses began eyeing the leading role of a biopic of the ‘I Will Always Love You’  – despite none being in development at that time.

Indeed, the likes of Vivica A. Fox, Brandy, Jennifer Hudson, and more all tossed their names in a hat should the role ever present itself.  However, nearly two years since Houston’s death, one actress has continuously made it known her desire to portray the singer in a movie – Meagan Good.

Recently, according to TheWrap, Good has been making good on her interest to depict the life of Houston on film.  In a movie reportedly helmed by Houston’s mentor Clive Davis, rumor has it Good has already began developing the film, but (as of time reporting), no studio has picked it up.

Your thoughts?

That Grape Juice is saddened to report that beloved “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star James Avery has died at the age of 65.

TMZ reports:

“Sources close to the actor tell TMZ he died in an L.A. hospital last night. Avery had recently undergone surgery for an undisclosed illness and took a turn for the worse late yesterday.

And we’re told … his wife, Barbara, had been at his bedside but left for a short period of time to get something to eat.  When she came back, she learned he had just died.”

Your thoughts?

It certainly was no laughing matter when legendary funnyman Steve Martin took to Twitter today to offer an apology for racist tweets shared days ago.  The Academy Award-winning actor came under fire after responding to a follower who asked: ‘Is this how you spell Lasonia (pasta)?’

Martin replied: ‘It depends. Are you in an African-American restaurant or at an Italian restaurant?’

After a field of angry users of the social media network slammed Martin, he offered an apology stating:

Your thoughts?

Next Summer sees ‘Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes’ blaze onto the big screen. With Christmas around the corner, what better gift than the movie’s first official trailer.

Check it out below…

Synopsis:

“Caesar tries to maintain dominance over a growing nation of genetically evolved apes who are threatened by a band of humans in San Francisco, survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade and a half earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.”

Thoughts?

March 31st 2014.

Consider yourself a fan of HBO‘s ‘Game of Thrones‘? If so, mark the above date in your diary.

For, on this day, the series will return to the world with its fourth season, set to serve 10 episodes teased in the five second trailer released this morning!

Check it out above!

Your thoughts?