This Week in Entertainment
Gears of War: Judgment - Available exclusively on Xbox 360, the fourth installment in the third-person shooter franchise serves as a prequel to the previous editions, centered on the Kilo Squad, a group of soldiers attempting to save their besieged city from a horrifying new enemy. The new edition includes faster and more intense combat modes, enhanced multiplayer experiences and a "Mission Declassification" function that allows players to unlock more achievements.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone - In one of his first major theatrical projects since leaving The Office, Steve Carell stars as superstar magician Burt Wonderstone, who along with his partner (Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire), has reigned as king of the Las Vegas strip for years. But when a street magician (Jim Carrey, Yes Man) threatens to knock them off their thrones, Burt recognizes that he has to salvage his act for modern audiences. PG-13. 101 min.
Old Sock - Eric Clapton: The 21st studio album for the storied musician contains two original songs but is otherwise a collection of covers of some of Clapton's favorite songs, evidencing his appreciation for and vast knowledge of music. Featuring elements of reggae, soul and rock standards and collaborations with Paul McCartney, Chaka Khan and Steve Winwood, the album creates a unique interpretation of modern musical history.
The 20/20 Experience - Justin Timberlake makes his highly anticipated return to music after a foray into acting with a smooth, soulful collection of songs produced by Timbaland. Featuring already successful singles including "Suit & Tie (featuring Jay-Z)" and "Mirrors," the CD contains elements of pop, rhythm and blues, and hip-hop and looks to capitalize on a rabid fan base to become the first blockbuster album release of 2013.
The Call - When a veteran 911 operator (Halle Berry, Monster's Ball) receives a life-altering call from a teenage girl (Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine) who has been abducted, she realizes she must confront a killer from her past to save the girl's life. This thriller, directed by Brad Anderson, made headlines last year after Berry was hospitalized due to a head injury during production yet has not received much attention since, lending to low expectations for the film. R. 95 minutes.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - The first of three films telling the prequel story to the Lord of the Rings trilogy follows a young Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), on an epic quest to reclaim the lost dwarf kingdom from an evil dragon. While not quite as successful as its predecessors, the film was praised for its cutting-edge visual effects. Bonus features include behind the scenes video blogs and trailers. (Also on Blu-ray 3-D)
More from The Rice Thresher
Rice SJP ‘liberated zone’ ends, university removes artwork in ‘beautification efforts’
The “liberated zone” on Rice campus and associated events ended Friday, April 26, after four days of programming, according to the Rice Students for Justice in Palestine Instagram page. Unlike overnight encampments spreading at college campuses across the country, Rice SJP disassembled the “liberated zone” each night and returned the following morning. And in contrast to clashes and escalating police responses that have led to some 2,000 arrests from Los Angeles to Hanover, N.H., there were “no major incidents and no arrests” at Rice, according to President Reggie DesRoches.
Rice’s Luke McCaffrey selected by Commanders in NFL Draft
The Washington Commanders selected Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey with the 100th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCaffrey was the final pick in the third round, as well as the final pick on the second day of the draft. He’ll compete for a prominent role in the wide receiver room, potentially slotting in as their starting slot receiver alongside Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
Rice Students for Justice in Palestine declares ‘liberated zone’ on campus
As student protests erupt across the country, Rice Students for Justice in Palestine launched a “liberated zone” on Rice campus, announced a two-day series of events and started construction on an “apartheid wall.”
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