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
Rice mandates mask-wearing, shares vision to reopen campus
Rice announced the health protocols, which will be in place starting June 1 until further notice, in an email to students yesterday. Leebron had previously shared a $10 million budget gap caused by COVID-19 and the potential for full-time employees to be furloughed in a town hall on Friday.
From safe schools to hostile courtrooms: How Betsy DeVos’ new Title IX regulations harm survivors
In the midst of a global pandemic, Betsy DeVos, the United States Secretary of Education, announced new Title IX regulations that govern how schools handle allegations of sexual assault and harrassment. Under the guise of restoring due process, the changes harm and undermine survivors by enhancing protections for those accused of misconduct.
Don’t overlook Black lives in pandemic solidarity
The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have given rise to a new phrase that has been thrown around by media outlets and social media users across the country: “We are all in this together.” Don’t get me wrong — I am not denying the fact that every person in this country has been impacted by the virus in some capacity, and I am certainly not denying the rise in local expressions of solidarity. Over the past couple months, we’ve seen students and volunteers across the country donate their time and resources to help their neighbors. Young people have come together on social media platforms to address issues surrounding mental health and online learning, creating a sense of community while also practicing social distancing. I am not denying the presence of solidarity. What I would like to discuss, however, is the fallacy of solidarity in a racialized society.
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