This Week in Entertainment
The Lego Movi
The first theatrical film based on the popular construction toys tells the story of an ordinary figure (Chris Pratt, Parks and Recreation) trying to save the Lego universe from an evil tyrant (Will Ferrell, Anchorman: The Legend Continues). Also featuring the voice talents of Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson, this comedy adventure from the creators of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs aims to appeal to children of all ages. PG. 101 minutes.
Dallas Buyers Club
Nominated for six Academy Awards, including best actor and best supporting actor (Golden Globe winners Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, respectively) as well as best picture, this film is among the most critically acclaimed of the year. The film tells the true story of Ron Woodroof, an AIDS patient who smuggles illegal drugs into Texas after realizing they have effectively improved his condition. Bonus features include deleted scenes and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
The Monuments Men
After being pushed out of a competitive awards season, George Clooney (Gravity) returns to the director's chair to lead a star-studded cast (including Matt Damon, Bill Murray and John Goodman) in this historical caper. Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of an Allied group during World War II tasked with saving priceless works of art and culturally important items from the destruction of Hitler. PG-13. 130 minutes.
The Outsiders
Eric Church
Coming off of his most successful album yet, Chief, which received crossover success, country star Eric Church returns with his fourth studio album. The album has been promoted by the lead single of the same name, which peaked in the top 10 of the Billboard country charts late last year, as well as new single "Give Me Back My Hometown," which was met with similar enthusiasm. Look for Church to continue his rise to the top of country music charts.
More from The Rice Thresher
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.
Rice rebrands DEI office amid federal scrutiny
Rice has renamed its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, announced in a Feb. 28 campus-wide email from Provost Amy Dittmar. This change arrives as universities across the country adapt — often altering or erasing diversity statements entirely — to federal anti-DEI legislation.
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