This Week in Entertainment
Batman: Arkham Origins
Follow the original story of the Caped Crusader and explore the dark side of Gotham City in this third installment of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. The game play is similar to its predecessors but also includes new gadgets, stealth combat features, customization abilities and the series' first foray into online multiplayer. Available for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and PC.
ARTPOP
Lady Gaga
The third studio album from the pop sensation is a musical departure from her previous effort, Born This Way (2011), taking a more artistic sound. The collection features collaborations, including ones with hip-hop artists such as T.I., Twista and Too Short, as well as with electro-house producers Madeon and Zedd. Preceded by lead singles "Applause" and "Do What U Want," which have netted moderate success, Gaga's army of "monsters" should propel the album to high first-week sales.
Man of Steel
The most recent reboot of the Superman franchise stars Henry Cavill (Immortals) in a new take on the classic story. Despite mixed reviews, the film was successful in the box office and inspired the production of a sequel featuring fellow DC Comics hero Batman. Director Zack Snyder's film also stars Amy Adams (The Master) and Laurence Fishburne (CSI) in supporting roles. Bonus features include commentary and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Also available in 3-D.
Thor - The Dark World
The sequel to Thor, the 2011 film debut of the eponymous Marvel Comics hero, this movie marks the eighth film in The Avengers franchise. Chris Hemsworth (Rush) returns as hammer-wielding Norseman Thor, who has to fight an ancient race threatening his home universe of Asgard. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable enemy, Thor must work with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston, Midnight in Paris) to save his people and the people of Earth. PG-13. 111 minutes. Also in 3-D.
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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