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
SA announces election results
After a one-day delay in results, Trevor Tobey has been elected as the next Student Association president, receiving 74.7% of first-place votes against write-in candidate Callum Flemister, who received 17.4% of votes.
Current RMC to remain, second building to open in 2027
A brand-new, second student center will open by Fall 2027, president Reggie DesRoches announced in a March 3 email to campus. The current Rice Memorial Center will not be demolished, and will continue to house Rice Coffeehouse, Pub and student media during construction over the next two years. It will undergo renovations after the second building is complete.
SA voting delayed by one day after ballot errors
The Student Association election ballot was recalled just an hour after it went live Feb. 26 after voters found errors. At the end of the ballot, voters were presented with five different constitutional amendments, which proposed varying changes ranging from grammatical fixes to raising the Blanket Tax. The original ballot only allowed students one vote instead of five individual ones, presenting the amendments as a bundle.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.