focus-movie-thatgrapejuice

Call it a comeback…

Maybe.

Will Smith is back atop of the US box office this week, after new movie ‘Focus’ bested the competition and debuted at #1. However for some critics, the film’s performance doesn’t mean Smith’s career is out of the woods just yet.

Details below…

(more…)

shonda-rhimes-that-grape-juice-finding-my-roots-

After Oprah Winfrey learned she had roots in the West African country of Liberia, the writer Shonda Rhimes seeks to discover hers with the help of the PBS series ‘Finding My Roots’ this year.

She took to Twitter to announce the news this morning, sharing:

shonda-rhimes-that-grape-juice-2015-roots

Her journey to the past will air on PBS this fall and will make her the latest African-American public figure to use a TV special to uncover the truth about their hidden past.

Indeed, NBC’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ helped the actress Vanessa Williams and the singer Lionel Richie learn of their blood ties to the transatlantic slave trade, and helped Blair Underwood trace his lineage all the way to Cameroon where he still has living relatives.

An air date for Shonda’s story is yet to be announced.

Your thoughts?

monique-cnn-thatgrapejuice

Mo’Nique has been a fixture in the headlines of late following her controversial interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

As widely covered, the ‘Precious’ star revealed that she was told by the movie’s producer, her friend Lee Daniels, that she had been “blackballed” by Hollywood.

The story has ignited ample debate, with several entities that have worked with the Oscar winner coming forward to share their difficult encounters with her and her team and citing them as reasons for her snub for the “powers that be”.

Yesterday saw the discussion crank up a notch when Daniels (who is enjoying success with new show ‘Empire’) stopped by CNN studios to elaborate on what he meant. Denying that he used the word “blackballed” when speaking with the star, he would verbatim state that Mo’Nique ultimately blackballed herself due to difficult demands from her management.

Today brought with it a fresh twist when the actress/comedian spoke with Don Lemon about the matter.

Interestingly, she clarified that she doesn’t feel she was blackballed. Instead, she asserts there weren’t demands and that the deals that came in following ‘Precious’ weren’t financially befitting.

Her interesting words below…

(more…)

meagan-good-that-grape-juice-2015-191919191919199119

Following an unfortunate run on ‘Deception’, Meagan Good has set her sights on Steven Spielberg to boost her small screen stock after signing on to star in his new TV series ‘Minority Report.’

(more…)

how-to-get-away-murder-season-2-renewed-thatgrapejuice

As if last night’s explosive finale of ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ wasn’t enough, fans of the ABC hit can rejoice. Why? Because the Shondaland series has been renewed for a second season!

Details below…

(more…)

quvenzhane-wendy-thatgrapejuice

Quevenzhane Wallis isn’t letting her Oscar nomination at age nine slow down her hustle.

Now eleven, the talented actress is continuing her ascend after starring in Sony Pictures’  remake of ‘Annie’ – which was greeted favourably last Christmas.

Currently on the promo trail for its DVD arrival on March 17th, Wallis stopped by The Wendy Williams Show for a fun-filled interview.

Watch below as the mature young lady spills on juggling work and school, her rise to fame, and more.

(more…)

empire-ratings-slay-thatgrapejuice

FOX aren’t just onto a hit with their new show ‘Empire’, they’re onto a certified smash!

Because, for the seventh consecutive week, the Lee Daniels series has delivered its highest ratings.

Details below…

(more…)

lee-daniels-monique-thatgrapejuice

Mo’nique has been the name on everyone’s lips since she took to The Hollywood Reporter to reveal that she was blackballed from Hollywood.

The actress, whose nearly three decade long career was highlighted by an Academy Award win for “Best Supporting Actress” at the 2010 Academy Awards for her role in ‘Precious,’ found it increasingly difficult to find work after the industry recognition.

‘Empire’ director Lee Daniels believes he knows why and blames the ‘Parkers’ diva’s “reverse racism” as the cause.  Click below to hear him sound off on the unfortunate incident:

(more…)

phylicia rashad raven symone gay roles thatgrapejuice

After taking film by storm with her Academy Award-nominated film ‘Selma,’ director Ava Duvernay, as reported here is taking her talents to the small screen for a new legal drama for CBS.

Titled ‘For Justice,’ reports have now confirmed legendary Emmy-nominated actress Phylicia Rashad is on board for the pilot and is set to portray a “savvy FBI agent who has faced discrimination for her race and sexual orientation.”

The news surfaces just a day after reports that her former TV granddaughter, Raven Symone, is set to appear in ABC’s hit comedy ‘Black-ish.’  See more below:

(more…)

empire-entertainment-weekly-thatgrapejuice

As the strapline on the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly highlights, FOX‘s show ‘Empire’ continues “rise, rise, rise” in both ratings and popularity.

So much so, it seems, that the network are reportedly mulling over taking the series on the road…literally.

Details below…

(more…)

empire-episode-9-thatgrapejuice

FOX‘s freshman smash ‘Empire’ is the show on everyone’s lips…and for good reason.

The music-drama serves up a potent package of sass, drama, glamor, and jaw-dropping storylines revolving around the Lyon family – anchored by Luscious (Terrence Howard) and Cookie (Taraji P. Henson).

Next week sees the action continue in episode 9 of season 1. Check out a sneak peek preview below…

(more…)

the-game-season-8-thatgrapejuice

The Game is going out with a bang!

BET have blown the final whistle on their flagship football drama, but are ensuring its eighth and last season is one to remember.

Don’t believe us…just watch!

Episode 7 of season 8 awaits below. Brandy, Wendy Raquel Williams, and Hosea Chanchez star.

(more…)

**