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Monday, December 23, 2024 — Houston, TX

Arts and Entertainment

A&E 12/3/24 11:40pm

Amy Hobby: from Rice to Oscar nominee

By Steven Burgess

Before its permanent closure in 2021, the Rice Media Center was home to film students at Rice. One particular alumna, Academy Award-nominated producer Amy Hobby ’87, has been one of the most notable people to come out of Rice’s film department, having worked alongside Tim Burton, David Lynch and Steven Soderbergh throughout her three-decade career.

A&E 12/3/24 11:38pm

Gift ideas to save you this season

By Sarah Motteler

If you’ve got a white elephant coming up that you’re scratching your head over or a Secret Santa that you can’t seem to crack, consider one of the six options below to perish your present woes.

A&E 12/3/24 11:23pm

Review: “Gladiator 2” is fine

By Jay Collura

Around the beginning of the semester, I found myself writing about legacy sequels, so it feels fitting, and somewhat indicative of Hollywood’s stagnation, to end the semester doing the same. “Gladiator II” is a direct continuation of the Best Picture award-winning “Gladiator”, with director Ridley Scott returning to his acclaimed film with an almost entirely new cast of characters. 

A&E 12/3/24 11:19pm

“Emilia Perez” rings shallow

By Arman Saxena

France’s submission for the 2025 Academy Awards will likely be the country’s thirty-ninth film nominated in Best International Feature. Currently on Netflix, Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” follows an overworked lawyer in Mexico who helps a trans cartel boss leave her life of crime and start anew. 

A&E 12/3/24 11:18pm

What’s in a Rice party theme?

By Chiara Moretti

Rice parties are a key part of campus life, bursting with unique traditions like College Night, Beer Bike and Pub Night. From casual events like FITQS and more lively events such as publics, catchy and memorable themes contribute to the overall experience of the event. Themes play a huge role in making sure everyone has an unforgettable time. 

A&E 12/3/24 11:15pm

What the Shuck? A Musical about Corn

By Sara Davidson

The hit Broadway musical “Shucked” came to the Houston Hobby Center this past week, and proved you really can make a musical about anything — but that doesn’t mean you should. The show follows the story of a woman named Maizy, who must go on a journey to save her small town when their livelihood, growing corn, starts to die. Though the musical had its moments, overall it fell flat, much like the singing of the male lead, Beau. 

A&E 12/3/24 11:13pm

“GNX” is Kendrick Lamar’s victory lap

By Charlie Cruz and Charlie Paul

Kendrick Lamar's newest album, “GNX,” is great — but is it a classic? Released without warning on a quiet Friday morning, the album's unexpected drop has sparked conversations across the globe. With no rollout, no teasers and no lead singles, Kendrick let the music speak for itself, delivering a project that feels like a love letter to West Coast hip-hop-crafted with the unique vision and depth only he can provide. 

A&E 12/3/24 11:09pm

Annual gingerbread house competition sparks creativity

By Shreya Challa

Rice Program Council held their annual gingerbread house building competition Nov. 20. This year, the theme was ‘Lights, Camera, Gingerbread!’ with teams recreating scenes from iconic films, from Rapunzel’s tower to the Pirates of the Caribbean ship.

A&E 12/3/24 11:08pm

The Texas Renaissance Festival enchants students

By Max Hess

Nine gnomes, six knights, four wizards and a blacksmith wait patiently for a turkey leg. Your eyes seem to deceive you: Is the scene before you real, or is it a fairy tale-inspired mirage? This is only the beginning of the wild and zany world that is the Texas Renaissance Festival. 

A&E 11/19/24 10:58pm

Flicks to enjoy with friends and family this Thanksgiving

By Arman Saxena

Many film fans discuss their favorite Christmas movies, Valentine’s Day movies and even Election Day movies, but Thanksgiving cinema is too often forgotten. Here at the Thresher, we want to acknowledge some of the best movies to see while enjoying a potluck, cooking for a Friendsgiving or spending a warm moment with loved ones this Thanksgiving break.

A&E 11/19/24 10:57pm

Review: On ‘Shawn,’ Mendes is worth getting lost with

By Hugo Gerbich-Pais

With the release of his self-titled album “Shawn,” Shawn Mendes proves that men with abs can sing folk. The album, Mendes’ fifth, represents a marked shift from his previous work and is well worth a listen. To sell his more mature sound, he’s grown out stubble this time, though the shirt has stayed off (thankfully). 

A&E 11/19/24 10:54pm

Fall Chamber Music Festival shines

By Angelica Hernandez

Serenades and sonatas rang through the hall as the Shepherd School of Music hosted its annual Fall Chamber Music Festival this past weekend. Students took the stage in small groups, performing on clarinet, piano and more.  

A&E 11/12/24 10:29pm

Artsy courses offered this spring semester

By Chi Pham

Another course registration period has come upon us, but no worries: To help you consider your options, the Thresher has compiled a list of new, unique courses offered this spring semester. 

A&E 11/12/24 10:17pm

“Songs of a Lost World” feels like The Cure’s farewell

By Arman Saxena

Having released their last proper album in 2008 — the largely panned “4:13 Dream” — few would’ve expected the legendary ’80s British alternative rock band The Cure to release an album that feels like a late-career peak. But that’s exactly what “Songs of a Lost World” is - a rebirth, even though it's simultaneously a somber meditation on death. 

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