Rice University’s Student Newspaper — Since 1916

Friday, March 28, 2025 — Houston, TX

Arts and Entertainment


A&E 3/25/25 11:15pm

Review: Collins’ latest will keep you reading ‘til sunrise

Nearly 17 years after The Hunger Games was released, Suzanne Collins masterfully transports – no, throws us – right back to our first introduction of the series. Writing with a tenacity that mimics the heroic journeys of her characters, Collins’ second prequel is a delight to read, for seasoned fans and first-timers alike. 


A&E 3/25/25 11:15pm

Review: Collins’ latest will keep you reading ‘til sunrise

Nearly 17 years after The Hunger Games was released, Suzanne Collins masterfully transports – no, throws us – right back to our first introduction of the series. Writing with a tenacity that mimics the heroic journeys of her characters, Collins’ second prequel is a delight to read, for seasoned fans and first-timers alike. 


A&E 3/25/25 10:33pm

Playboi Carti’s “MUSIC” is a whole lotta meh

After nearly five years of canceled release dates, cryptic livestreams and scattered singles that never quite materialized into anything more than music videos, Playboi Carti’s “MUSIC” is finally here. The album, stuffed to the brim with 30 tracks, is both proof of Carti’s magnetic presence and a stark reminder that bigger is not always better. 


A&E 3/25/25 10:30pm

Review: “Mickey 17” is refreshing science fiction fun

I can’t think of a harder task than following up the Best Picture-winning “Parasite.” South Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece is one of the most beloved films of the 21st century, especially amongst Gen-Z filmgoers (myself very much included). In a year with many great films, “Parasite” stood head and shoulders above the rest, and whispers immediately started about Bong’s next project.



A&E 3/25/25 10:24pm

Review: The Sleeping Beauty Keeps You Awake

The Houston Ballet just finished their performances of “The Sleeping Beauty,” a ballet based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This classic piece ran for just over two weeks and included several performances with discounted tickets for students, both through the ballets “Student Rush” and “$30 under 30” deals. 


A&E 3/25/25 10:19pm

Music, community to collide at ktru’s annual Outdoor Show

ktru’s 33rd annual musical festival, “Outdoor Show,” will take over the Central Quad on Saturday for a day of music, art and community. Organized by Rice’s student-run radio station, the event will feature local vendors, craft stations, student DJs and eight musical acts — concluding with indie-pop headliner band Laundry Day.



A&E 3/11/25 10:52pm

Hazelight’s ‘Split Fiction’ is a new co-op masterpiece

"Split Fiction" might just be the Game of the Year — assuming Rockstar doesn’t finally release "GTA VI." After Hazelight Studios’ smash hit "It Takes Two," expectations were high, and "Split Fiction" absolutely delivered. Already surpassing one million sales within two days, the game became an instant sensation, and notably deserves its acclaim. 



A&E 3/11/25 10:49pm

Review: “Ne Zha 2” takes risks – and they pay off

Earlier last week, “Ne Zha 2” became the first animated film to reach $2 billion in global ticket sales, making it the top grossing animated film of all time after surpassing last year’s “Inside Out 2”. A loose adaptation of the story of Chinese mythological figure Nezha as told by the 16th century novel “Investiture of the Gods”, the film follows Ne Zha, a young boy born with the power of the fiery Demon Pill, as he completes three trials to protect his hometown of Chengtang Pass and save the life of his friend Ao Bing. 


A&E 3/11/25 10:47pm

Spring Break Reading Recommendations

No matter if you’re curled up at home or relaxing on a beach, Spring Break is meant for R&R — resting and reading. If you want a compelling book to dive into this coming week, look no further than this list of five recommendations, all published within the last three years.



A&E 3/11/25 10:43pm

Spring break on a budget with these fun spots

Though it might not feel that way for those with midterms and essays due this week, spring break is approaching quicker than you may think. If your bank account tells you you’d rather stay home, check out these affordable spring break options. 


A&E 3/11/25 10:40pm

Anwuli Chukwumah chases indigo

Anwuli Chukwumah says her creative process is like scratching an itch. A double major in studio art and architecture, the Martel College senior creates with a wide variety of materials, including found objects, ceramics and drawings, often tied together by a distinctive shade of indigo blue.



A&E 3/4/25 11:09pm

Musical apocalypse hits Rice

Music, screaming and laughs filled McMurtry College commons Feb. 27 to March 1, as Lovett Theatre and McMurtry Arts Committee brought to life the horror-comedy-musical: “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.”


A&E 3/4/25 11:08pm

Students react to Sarofim

For years, art students say they’ve worked within the constraints of the aging Sewall Hall and the “insufficient,” inaccessible Hamman Hall. But with the 80,000 square-foot Sarofim Hall set to open next semester, students are preparing to transition into a purpose-built space that finally feels like home.  


A&E 3/4/25 11:06pm

R&B legends electrify Toyota Center on Mary J. Blige’s “For My Fans” Tour

A sold-out crowd at Toyota Center witnessed three R&B legends combine forces on Feb. 18, delivering a night that was equal parts nostalgia, powerhouse vocals and pure soul. Titled the “For My Fans” Tour, Mary J. Blige’s first major outing since her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction felt like a homecoming of sorts — not just for Blige, but for openers Mario and Ne-Yo, who brought their own timeless hits and crowd-pleasing flair to the stage.


A&E 3/4/25 11:03pm

‘Perforations’ celebrates fashion, art, sustainability

Inside Anderson Hall, student designers, models and artists gathered for “InThread” and “Archi-Arts,” two student-run showcases that blurred the line between fashion and visual art. This year’s shared theme, “Perforations,” explored transformation — through cut fabric, layered textures and fragmented materials.