JASMINE's THOUGHTS on The Exorcist Season 2

About the Show

Opening an entirely new chapter in the iconic franchise, Season Two of The Exorcist premieres Friday, September 29 (9:00 - 10:00 PM PT/ET), where FATHER TOMAS ORTEGA (Alfonso Herrera) and a newly collarless MARCUS KEANE (Ben Daniels) out of Chicago and on the road, searching out evil. Across the Atlantic, FATHER BENNETT (Kurt Egyiawan) attempts to weed out those within the Vatican who have turned against God. Ultimately, Tomas and Marcus are led to ANDREW KIM (John Cho), a former child psychologist who runs a group home for five at-risk foster children on a secluded private island off the coast of Seattle. When one of the children under Andrew’s care is targeted by a powerful force, the two priests head west, setting themselves on a collision course with Hell. 

The Exorcist is from Morgan Creek Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television. The series was created by Jeremy Slater (“Fantastic Four”). The series is executive-produced by Slater, Emmy Award nominee Rolin Jones (“Friday Night Lights,” “Weeds”), Rupert Wyatt, Roy Lee (“Hidden,” “Run All Night”) James Robinson (“Dream House”), David Robinson (“Dream House,” “The Good Shepherd”) and Barbara Wall (“Boss”). Wyatt also served as director on the pilot.

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Television Network:

FOX

Stay connected

    

Genre:

Psychological Thriller

Suspense/Horror

Drama

Based on:

The Exorcist by William Petter Blatty

The Exorcist (1973) film

Rating:

TV-14 DLV

Cast:

Alfonso Herrera as Father Tomas

Ben Daniels as Marcus Keane

Kurt Egyiawan as Father Bennet

John Cho as Andy Kim

Li Jun Li as Rose Cooper

Brianna Hildebrand as Verity

Alex Barima as Shelby

Hunter Dillon as Caleb

Cyrus Arnold as Davis "Truck" Johnson III

Zuleikha Robinson as Mouse

Beatrice Kitsos as Harper

See Full Cast & Crew List on IMDB

Watch Full Episodes

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

I am blown away at how good this second season was! Seriouslly!!! This second season follows Father Tomas and Marcus Keane, who is no longer a priest, on the road. It's tough being an exorcist... Right?!? They have to be absolutely sure that the person in question is possessed. Well, that's where this second season takes us. While they do come across legitimate cases, there are others that are not. Anyways, it seems that Father Tomas and Marcus path are connected in many ways. While they are fighting evil, Father Bennett and Mouse are also fighting at the other end of the world.

Since Season 1, we already got the idea that the Vatican has already been compromised. Moreover, we see that in Season 2, the situation is more dire than what we thought since Season 1. The flow from Season 1 and Season 2 was well done. They are on the road from Chicago after the events with the Rance family. They encounter other possessions. Father Tomas has an unusual gift. Whoa! We are getting deep into the paranormal/supernatural realm... Right!?! Love it! It just adds to the mysticism and mystery of it all. Definitely has that horror feel to it, too, just like the movie...haha!! I really love how the series pays homage to the film, too! If you have watched and remembered the film(s), including the subsequent sequel films, then you would caught...I guess... we can call it "easter eggs" in a few scenes...Haha! Sure brought back memories of watching those movies.

So... A lot has happened since the start of this second season. More or less, they are losing this fight with demons. Marcus is doubting himself and feels lost and discouraged. Father Tomas is embracing his gift. Mouse has now joined the fight with Father Tomas. They may have lost Father Bennett... Has he been integrated?!? Say it ain't so!!! Andy makes the ultimate sacrifice to save his family. Marcus needs to find some kind of clarity/purpose... Has he found it with the help of the voice of God?!? Will Marcus be back for the fight?!? Where will the fight take them now?!?

Ugh!!! Well, we won't know until the next season!!! Right?!? Cliffhangers... It's a love/hate relationship...Hahaha!!! Now, this series has been up in the air on this whole renew/cancel rollercoaster, but I hope the series comes and continues. The series has so much potential, especially with the various stories that can be told. I would seriously be crushed if this series does not come back. And, I know that I am not the only one who wants this series to come back for a Season 3, Season 4, so on and so forth... Right?!?

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lucifer Season 2, Part 2

*About the Show*

L.A. is hotter than ever...

Based upon the characters created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg for Vertigo, from DC Entertainment, Lucifer is the story of the original fallen angel. Bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis) abandoned his throne and retired to Los Angeles, where he has teamed up with LAPD detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) to take down criminals.

Charming, charismatic and devilishly handsome, Lucifer has a way of manipulating people into confessing their deepest, darkest secrets, which helps Chloe deliver justice. But Lucifer quickly discovered that Chloe makes him vulnerable. When he's around her, the devil can bleed like anyone else. It's a truly scary realization that doesn't sit well with his best friend, Mazikeen aka Maze (Lesley-Ann Brandt), a fierce demon in the form of a beautiful young woman. Maze wants nothing more than to leave Los Angeles and get back to her life in Hell, but Lucifer is having one helluva good time with the mortals, and she is not about to leave him behind.

At the end of Season One, Chloe watched Lucifer die, only to come back to life, causing more confusion over who he really is. Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Dan (Kevin Alejandro), who is also an LAPD detective, came clean about his involvement in a corrupt case - jeopardizing not only his job, but also their relationship.

In Season Two, Lucifer and his brother, Amenadiel (DB Woodside), who have been sparring over Lucifer's resistance to returning to the underworld, will now be brought back together for one common goal - to find their mother, Charlotte (Tricia Helfer, Battlestar Galactica), who escaped Hell. After all, Lucifer doesn't take after his dad, so the parent he does resemble is sure to be quite terrifying. Lucifer's work with the LAPD also is upended when the police force hires Ella Lopez (Aimee Garcia, The George Lopez Show), a smart, tough forensic scientist whose mutual belief in both faith and science proves a point of interest to Lucifer.

With mom on the loose, Dr. Linda Martin (Rachael Harris), who has become not only a therapist, but also a confidante to Lucifer, will surely have a lot of advice to dole out. And, by the time she's done with them, she may need a therapist of her own.

source

Television Network:

FOX

Stay Connected:

    

Genre:

Supernatural/Paranormal Drama

Police Procedural

Action/Adventure

Comedy

Based on the comic book series by:

Vertigo

Rating:

TV-14

Cast:

Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar

Lauren German as Chloe Decker

Lesley-Ann Brandt as Maze

D.B. Woodside as Amenadiel

Rachael Harris as Dr. Kim Martin

Kevin Alejandro as Dan

Tricia Helfer as Charlotte

Aimee Garcia as Ella Lopez

Scarlett  Estevez as Trixie

See Full Cast on IMDB

Watch Full Episodes

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

OMG!! These characters definitely does not run out of their dysfunctional family antics to say the least. This second half of Season Two dives heavily into the "goddess'" adjustment into human life and her dire need to return to heaven. Of course, two of her children, namely Lucifer and Amenadiel, are charged in watching over her...and, to keep her out of trouble. However, trouble seems to just find them...all...haha!!! 

The cast is hilarious! Their chemistry works! They each deal with their individual conflicts. Lucifer has come a long way since Season One. He's becoming more human every "day" he is on Earth. Everyone around him has a lot to do with that, too. Love it! Yup! Even Maze has gotten attached to these humans...lol! Oh my! How humanity affects these supernatural beings!!! One has got to keep watching to see how much these characters have evolved/grown since the start!

Whoa! Didn't see that coming....the Season finale, that is!!! LOL! Wow! Great!! Now, we have to wait til next Fall to find out what that finale means...especially for Lucifer.  Say what...!?!

Read my thoughts on Season 2, Part 1

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lethal Weapon Season 1 (Fox)

About the Show

Combining action and drama with ride-or-die friendship and humor, Lethal Weapon reimagines the hit movie franchise, as it follows classic cop duo Riggs and Murtaugh, who work a crime-ridden beat in modern-day Los Angeles.

Grief-stricken after the loss of his young wife and unborn child, ex-Navy SEAL-turned-detective Martin Riggs (Clayne Crawford, Rectify) moves to California to "start over" at the LAPD. He's paired up with Roger Murtaugh (Emmy Award nominee Damon Wayans, My Wife and Kids, In Living Color), who's just coming back to the job after a near-fatal heart attack. Riggs' penchant for diving headfirst into the line of fire immediately clashes with Murtaugh's prudent, by-the-book technique.

When Captain Brooks Avery (Kevin Rahm, Mad Men) assigns them their first case together, Riggs drags Murtaugh into a high-speed chase culminating inside the Long Beach Grand Prix and a seaport shootout with drug dealers -- and despite his protests, the older cop feels more alive than he has in years. Meanwhile, Riggs gets a glimpse of why Murtaugh is so determined to get home safely at the end of each day -- he't got a wife, Trish (Keesha Sharp, The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story), teenagers Roger, Jr. (Dante Brown, Mr. Robinson) and Riana (newcomer Chandler Kinney) and a newborn baby.

Riggs' life-on-the-edge attitude makes him a priority case for the department's psychologist, Dr. Maureen "Mo" Cahill (Jordana Brewster, Furious 7). Rounding out the precinct is Scorsese (Johnathan Fernandez, Girls, Younger), a pathologist with the LAPD who got his nickname after a stint in film school, which no one will let him forget.

By the time their first investigation ends, Riggs realizes he may have found something worth living for -- a partner and friend, Murtaugh. And even Murtaugh figures this arrangement might just work out after all. If only Riggs doesn't get them killed first...

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Television Network:

FOX

Stay connected

    

Genre:

Action/Adventure

Crime/Drama

Police Procedural

Comedy 

Based on:

Lethal Weapon films

(starring Mel Gibson & Danny Glover)

Rating:

TV-MA

Cast:

Damon Wayans as Detective Roger Murtaugh

Clayne Crawford as Detective  Martin Riggs

Keesha Sharp as Trish Murtaugh

Jordana Brewster as Dr. Maureen "Mo" Cahill

Kevin Rahm as Captain Brooks Avery

Johnathan Fernandez as Scorsese

Dante Brown as Roger Murtaugh, Jr.

Chandler Kinney as Riana Murtaugh

Michelle Mitchenor as Sonya Bailey

Richard Cabral as Alejandro Cruz

See Full Cast & Crew List on IMDB

 

Watch Full Episodes

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

Alrighty... Here's another re-imagining of a popular film franchise! I loved and enjoyed watching the films which starred Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Each one with its own action and adventure. Likewise with this television series. Starring Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford in those Lethal Weapon classic roles, the series also follows the action and adventure of these two as they solve crime. Each episode has its own world-building and character development. Of course, it does stay true to the basic theme of the Lethal Weapon storyline.

I don't like comparing TV shows to the movie counterpart(s), because it really wouldn't be fair to one or the other. The films were great in its own right. The TV show brings new life to a new generation of a theme that each both shares. Anyways, I really enjoyed the character development as this first season opened and introduced viewers to these characters, and how they are connected. There is no lack of action either. The humor was a nice reprieve from the drama... the elements balanced out. I enjoyed the chemistry between Damon and Clayne. Sometimes, it's hard to see Damon in character since I kept remembering the show In Living Color. To be fair, I have watched him in other TV shows and films. This is a nice change to see him tackle a dramatic role... And he fits the part. On the other hand, I haven't watched anything that Clayne was in, but he fits the part that Mel Gibson made famous. I like his portrayal of Martin Riggs.

Each episode is another and unique adventure for these two, but, in one way or another, each case they work on seems to be connected to each other. As this first season unfolds, we get a more deeper understanding of each of these characters and of what drives them, and how these characters come together...professionally and personally in the show. I enjoyed the flashbacks into Riggs past which revealed so much as to why he is who he is... and how he works through his tragic moment in life. In this TV series, there is more opportunity to develop each character's past and intertwine it to the present. Unlike in a film, there is only so much that can be done in the film.

This show has it's balanced elements of drama, humor, action, and adventure all wrapped in this first season... so far. I am glad too that this series was renewed for a second season since the season one finale left an interesting cliffhanger. Loved it!

JASMINE'S THOUGHTS on The Exorcist Season 1 (2016)

About the Show

Widely regarded as the greatest horror movie ever made, The Exorcist broke box office records and terrified audiences around the world. Now, more than four decades after the Academy Award-nominated film, The Exorcist returns as a TV series.

Directed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), The Exorcist is a propulsive psychological thriller following two very different priests tackling one family's case of horrifying demonic possession. Father Tomas Ortega (Alfonso Herrera, Sense8, The Chosen) is the new face of the Catholic Church: progressive, ambitious and compassionate. He runs a small, but loyal, parish in the suburbs of Chicago. He has no idea that his quiet life is about to change forever. Deep in the slums of Mexico City, another priest has found himself locked in a life-and-death struggle with evil. Father Marcus Keane (Ben Daniels, Flesh and Bone, House of Cards) is a modern-day Templar Knight, an orphan raised since childhood by the Vatican to wage war against its enemies. Father Marcus is everything Father Tomas is not: relentless, abrasive and utterly consumed by his mission – and he constantly butts heads with his adversary within the church, Father Bennett (Kurt Egyiawan, Beasts of No Nation).

Caught in the middle of the two priests is the Rance family who are members of Tomas' parish. On the surface, they're a normal, American family, but all is not as it seems in this household. The patriarch, Henry Rance (Alan Ruck, Spin City, Ferris Bueller's Day Off), is recovering from a traumatic injury. Eldest daughter Katherine (Brianne Howey, Scream Queens) has become a recluse who refuses to leave her room. Her younger sister, Casey (Hannah Kasulka, The Fosters), thinks she's hearing strange noises coming from inside the walls. And mother Angela (Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Geena Davis, Commander in Chief, Thelma & Louise) believes there is something in the house, a demonic presence, growing stronger by the day. Desperate, she begs Father Tomas for help, unwittingly setting the naïve young priest on a collision course with Father Marcus. Separately, each faces an insurmountable task, but together they become the Rances' only hope against an evil force that has been mobilizing for centuries.

source

Television Network:

FOX

Stay connected

    

Genre:

Psychological Thriller

Suspense/Horror

Drama

Based on:

The Exorcist by William Petter Blatty

The Exorcist (1973) film

Rating:

TV-MA

Cast:

Alfonso Herrera as Father Tomas

Ben Daniels as Father Marcus

Geena Davis as Angela Rance

Alan Ruck as Henry Rance

Hannah Kasulka as Casey Rance

Brianne Howey as Katherine Rance

Kurt Egyiawan as Father Bennet

See Full Cast & Crew List on IMDB

Watch Full Episodes

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

Okay....it's been a while since The Exorcist Season 1 aired its finale. I guess I finally have time to write this post. Plus, I used the time to think about this first season. This series is following some pretty "big shoes" in regards to the novel by William Peter Blatty and the 1973 film of the same name which was directed by William Friedkin, and starred Linda Blair. I would have to say that it isn't just a horror show. Elements of a psychological thriller, suspense, and a family drama are all intertwined in this series. Of course, the religious elements brings in the element of the supernatural into its storyline.

The film itself was something that did terrify me, but then, I was very young when I watched it. Yeah, I would say it was terrifying. I haven't read the novel...yet. But, I can only guess (until I read it) how terrifying this read could be. Although the series brings in some of the intensity that the film had, the show's horror element was tamed down. It did have those elements of surprise...that I can say they did capture that. I did have moments that I jumped and/or gasped. However, that supernatural element was definitely important in how this story played out. Moreover, the show had some great character development. Even with the few subplots that intertwined with the main storyline, each character's identity was fully revealed throughout the season. We got to know both Father Tomas and Father Marcus...from their past to present. I enjoyed the tie in to the 1973 film.

This psychological thriller didn't just capture the ominous feel of evil, it also captured the ups and downs of a family drama which was exacerbated with the supernatural battle between good and evil... In this case, a battle with demon possession. The various twists and turns in each episode kept me guessing. The show also boils down to Satan's plan to destroy humanity and rule the world.

The Exorcist is a show filled with elements of horror, suspense, and drama; however, the storyline itself focused on concept of faith and religion, family love, and the power of man's strength of will. I would have to say that this first season encapsulated the drive for each character's need to believe in something...be it real or supernatural. Of course, with the element of suspense and horror helped to give me chills. Plus, I am glad that the show wasn't too over the top with supernatural elements. I it worked very well that those supernatural elements were worked in gradually as to not veer away from the development of these amazing characters.

I seriously hope that this show gets renewed. With the topic that this show tackles, there is so much potential in which this series can focus on, especially following Father Tomas and Father Marcus.

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lucifer Season 2

*About the Show*

L.A. is hotter than ever...

Based upon the characters created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg for Vertigo, from DC Entertainment, Lucifer is the story of the original fallen angel. Bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis) abandoned his throne and retired to Los Angeles, where he has teamed up with LAPD detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) to take down criminals.

Charming, charismatic and devilishly handsome, Lucifer has a way of manipulating people into confessing their deepest, darkest secrets, which helps Chloe deliver justice. But Lucifer quickly discovered that Chloe makes him vulnerable. When he's around her, the devil can bleed like anyone else. It's a truly scary realization that doesn't sit well with his best friend, Mazikeen aka Maze (Lesley-Ann Brandt), a fierce demon in the form of a beautiful young woman. Maze wants nothing more than to leave Los Angeles and get back to her life in Hell, but Lucifer is having one helluva good time with the mortals, and she is not about to leave him behind.

At the end of Season One, Chloe watched Lucifer die, only to come back to life, causing more confusion over who he really is. Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Dan (Kevin Alejandro), who is also an LAPD detective, came clean about his involvement in a corrupt case - jeopardizing not only his job, but also their relationship.

In Season Two, Lucifer and his brother, Amenadiel (DB Woodside), who have been sparring over Lucifer's resistance to returning to the underworld, will now be brought back together for one common goal - to find their mother, Charlotte (Tricia Helfer, Battlestar Galactica), who escaped Hell. After all, Lucifer doesn't take after his dad, so the parent he does resemble is sure to be quite terrifying. Lucifer's work with the LAPD also is upended when the police force hires Ella Lopez (Aimee Garcia, The George Lopez Show), a smart, tough forensic scientist whose mutual belief in both faith and science proves a point of interest to Lucifer.

With mom on the loose, Dr. Linda Martin (Rachael Harris), who has become not only a therapist, but also a confidante to Lucifer, will surely have a lot of advice to dole out. And, by the time she's done with them, she may need a therapist of her own.

source

Television Network:

FOX

Stay Connected:

    

Genre:

Supernatural/Paranormal Drama

Action/Adventure

Comedy

Based on the comic book series by:

Vertigo

Rating:

TV-14

Cast:

Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar

Lauren German as Chloe Decker

Lesley-Ann Brandt as Maze

D.B. Woodside as Amenadiel

Rachael Harris as Dr. Kim Martin

Kevin Alejandro as Dan

Tricia Helfer as Charlotte

Aimee Garcia as Ella Lopez

Scarlett  Estevez as Trixie

See Full Cast on IMDB

Watch Full Episodes

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

What a second season! Oh, the fun and adventure continues for Lucifer and Chloe! Now, their adventures include mother dearest...the goddess of creation! Lucifer definitely has a lot on his plate...haha! Doc Martin knows the truth...and she has a lot to "wrap" her head around everything that has been revealed to her. Character development continues...and it keeps getting interesting. The humor continues to balance out the drama. Tricia Helfer is a great addition to the cast. Love her character! Stuck in Los Angeles with humans, Mother God has to adjust to living life on Earth. All the while, we can see where Lucifer gets his funny wit and personality traits from. Amenadiel, on the other hand, is feeling the crushing truth of the consequences of his actions. He, too, must adjust to becoming mortal. Maze is struggling to figure out who and what she is in this life on Earth.

Lots of character development for all of these characters. Truths are revealed...and Lucifer and Chloe's relationship is moving along. However, there are a few obstacles that they have to overcome in order to figure out what this relationship is between the two. Completely how they interact with each other and how the cast fit their characters. Funny how Dan and Lucifer have to work together, despite how they feel about each other...haha! But, both their "love" for Chloe is what keeps them at a compromise.

All in all, this season was filled with Lucifer's humor and antics, as well as solving crime.  Every character has established their own identities as to who they are and what they want. We even got introduced to another angel! Yup! We definitely got a taste of some "divine intervention;" however, it doesn't mean it was all good. Anyways, a little bit of Heaven and Hell definitely adds to the whole theme of Lucifer being the first fallen angel and the Lord of Hell. Well, next season will be very interesting as we learn more about the "miracle" that Chloe was revealed to be. What is her "part" in God's plan. Will we meet Him in this coming next season!

Yup! That's right! Lucifer has been renewed for a third season! Yes!

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

Genre:

Action/Adventure

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

144 minutes

Release Date:

May 27, 2016

Directed by:

Bryan Singer

Social Media:

    

Plot Summary:

Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven with the help of Professor X must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

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Cast:

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Hosh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy.

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

I was absolutely stunned at how much I enjoyed this film! Since X-Men: Days of Future Past, this is another enjoyable film. Given that the previous film gave us the concept of "change the past, change the future," pretty much opened the door for this current X-Men installment.

This was mind-blowing! The action was cool and exciting...and constant. We were introduced to the young '80s version of our favorite characters. Yay! Casting was great! Never fails... James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender reprises their roles as Professor X and Magneto, respectively! They give their characters depth and realism...just like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan. Of course, Jennifer Lawrence totally impresses as Mystique. OMG! Then there's Sophie Turner! What more needs to be said!?! She embodies the character of a young Jean Grey.

We get a glimpse of who or what Apocalypse is in the beginning, giving us an idea of what our mutants will be up against. Again...like the previous installments, we see our mutants come together to battle a greater evil. Crazy to see Storm on the other side of the cause...haha! And, to see Magneto lose his way...again.

Granted that theses films veers away from the comic book source, but that's just it!!! Adaptations... can take a source content and create more stories from it. However, my only thing is that... keeping true to that source content... capturing the heart of what these comic books are all about. I'm no expert, but I did grow up reading these comic books (whenever I went to the stores with my parents), then watching the animated series on Saturday mornings...haha! BUT... Thank goodness they got Jean Grey/Phoenix...close to true form. Whoa! Very impressive.

In the end, not including the post-credits scene, we can expect more X-Men adventures to come following the events in this film. I'd say that this, like X-Men: Days of Future Past, has captured what fans expect from the X-Men! But then again...that's just me! Go see it...and find out for yourselves!

My rating: