This Week in Entertainment
Call of Duty: Ghosts
The 10th installment in a series that has defined a video game-playing generation begins a new story arc in the tradition of Modern Warfare, Black Ops and the original games set in World War II. The new installment takes place in a dystopian future and features a next-generation engine and customizable multiplayer experience. Available for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC.
Avril Lavigne
The fifth studio album from the Canadian singer-songwriter features a more pop-oriented sound compared to her previous release Goodbye Lullaby and includes duets with rock artists such as her husband Nickelback front-man Chad Kroeger, and Marilyn Manson. Preceded by singles such as "Here's To Never Growing Up," which peaked inside the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, and "Rock N Roll," fans of Lavigne should be excited for a return to the fun music that made Lavigne a recording star.
Ender's Game
Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Orson Scott Card, this sci-fi action film stars Asa Butterfield (Hugo) as a young man sent to an elite military school in space to prepare for an alien invasion. Because the novel has taken decades to get to the big screen and features a cast that includes Ben Kingsley (Iron Man 3) and Viola Davis (The Help), anticipation is running high and the movie should captivate audiences with its high-tech visuals. PG-13. 114 minutes.
The Marshall Mathers LP 2
Eminem's eighth studio album marks the first time he has ever made a "sequel" to a previous release, let alone his most critically acclaimed effort, 2000's The Marshall Mathers LP. Featuring guest appearances from Rihanna, Skylar Grey, Nate Ruess and Aftermath label partner Kendrick Lamar, the album already includes two top 10 hits in "Bezerk" and "Rap God," and as evidenced by the sales of his singles, is projected to have one of the highest sales weeks of the year.
Last Vegas
When four best friends in their late 60s decide to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas in celebration of one of their weddings, they try to relive the glory days of their youth, but Sin City tests their friendship in unusual ways. With an all-star cast that includes Morgan Freeman (Invictus), Michael Douglas (Behind the Candelabra) and Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook), this comedy will attract older moviegoers in droves. PG-13, 108 minutes.
Grown Ups 2
The sequel to the 2010 comedy, Grown Ups, was yet another $100 million hit at the box-office this past summer for Adam Sandler (That's My Boy), following several recent misfires. The film reunites a team of comedic heavyweights, featuring Kevin James (Zookeeper) and Chris Rock (Death At a Funeral) for another summer-set romp. Bonus features include several behind-the-scenes documentaries and deleted scenes.
More from The Rice Thresher
Rice accepts 13% of record-setting ED applications
Rice accepted 13.2% of Early Decision applicants in its first round of admissions for the class of 2029, said Yvonne Romero da Silva, vice president for enrollment. With 2,970 total applicants, this year saw yet another record-high; a 3% increase from last year’s previous high of 2,886. An additional 100 students gained admission through the Questbridge National College Match program, an uptick from last year’s 77.
Students reject divestment proposals
The student body voted to pass S.REF 01, which asks the Rice Management Company to disclose all of its holdings investments, but rejected the remaining divestment proposals. While every ballot measure gained a majority of votes in favor, the remaining three did not achieve the two-thirds majority required to pass.
Student organizations form coalition to support SA referenda
Four Student Association referenda open for the general student body vote today at noon. The referenda call for disclosure of Rice Management Company holdings and divestment from entities that profit off the Israel-Hamas war. The referenda also ask that Rice release a statement condemning genocide and materially support anti-colonial scholarship. Voting will close Dec. 11 at noon and the results will be published the next day. For the referenda to pass, a two-thirds majority with a 20% student body turnout is needed.
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