This Week in Entertainment
Call of Duty: Ghosts
The 10th installment in a series that has defined a video game-playing generation begins a new story arc in the tradition of Modern Warfare, Black Ops and the original games set in World War II. The new installment takes place in a dystopian future and features a next-generation engine and customizable multiplayer experience. Available for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC.
Avril Lavigne
The fifth studio album from the Canadian singer-songwriter features a more pop-oriented sound compared to her previous release Goodbye Lullaby and includes duets with rock artists such as her husband Nickelback front-man Chad Kroeger, and Marilyn Manson. Preceded by singles such as "Here's To Never Growing Up," which peaked inside the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, and "Rock N Roll," fans of Lavigne should be excited for a return to the fun music that made Lavigne a recording star.
Ender's Game
Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Orson Scott Card, this sci-fi action film stars Asa Butterfield (Hugo) as a young man sent to an elite military school in space to prepare for an alien invasion. Because the novel has taken decades to get to the big screen and features a cast that includes Ben Kingsley (Iron Man 3) and Viola Davis (The Help), anticipation is running high and the movie should captivate audiences with its high-tech visuals. PG-13. 114 minutes.
The Marshall Mathers LP 2
Eminem's eighth studio album marks the first time he has ever made a "sequel" to a previous release, let alone his most critically acclaimed effort, 2000's The Marshall Mathers LP. Featuring guest appearances from Rihanna, Skylar Grey, Nate Ruess and Aftermath label partner Kendrick Lamar, the album already includes two top 10 hits in "Bezerk" and "Rap God," and as evidenced by the sales of his singles, is projected to have one of the highest sales weeks of the year.
Last Vegas
When four best friends in their late 60s decide to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas in celebration of one of their weddings, they try to relive the glory days of their youth, but Sin City tests their friendship in unusual ways. With an all-star cast that includes Morgan Freeman (Invictus), Michael Douglas (Behind the Candelabra) and Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook), this comedy will attract older moviegoers in droves. PG-13, 108 minutes.
Grown Ups 2
The sequel to the 2010 comedy, Grown Ups, was yet another $100 million hit at the box-office this past summer for Adam Sandler (That's My Boy), following several recent misfires. The film reunites a team of comedic heavyweights, featuring Kevin James (Zookeeper) and Chris Rock (Death At a Funeral) for another summer-set romp. Bonus features include several behind-the-scenes documentaries and deleted scenes.
More from The Rice Thresher
Jones wins men’s and women’s Beer Bike races, GSA snags alumni
Jones College won both the women’s and men’s Beer Bike 2024 races, while the Graduate Student Association claimed the alumni team win. Hanszen College bike teams were the runner-up in the alumni and men’s races, while Brown College was the runner-up in the women’s race. Martel and McMurtry Colleges did not bike in the alumni race, according to the Rice Program Council’s final report, and the GSA was disqualified from the men’s race for accidentally sending out two bikers simultaneously.
Super Smash Bros. ultimate tournament sees smashing success
The Super Smash Bros. Club held their second annual ultimate tournament Friday, April 12. Club president Jashun Paluru said all Smash players were welcome, regardless of ability, experience or involvement in the club. The event was held in collaboration with Owls After Dark, a late-night activity series headed by the Rice Student Center, at the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall.
‘Off the beaten track’: Commencement speakers through the years
A former American president, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nobel laureates and the founder of Khan Academy. All may share similar traits or levels of fame, but there’s another, quieter, common ground: They’ve all spoken at Rice’s commencement.
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