Arts and Entertainment

​‘Patti Cakes’ Follows the Rise of a Fledgling Rapper

In the musical drama “Patti Cakes,” Geremy Jasper tells a gritty blue-collar Cinderella story about one girl’s relationship with rapping and how it frees her from a dysfunctional life. 

​Season Four of ‘BoJack Horseman’ Shines

"BoJack” is unafraid to address stories that might deeply affect or disturb audiences on an emotional or psychological level...It is a rare occurrence that a show this groundbreaking and special comes along.

"Ingrid Goes West" Satirizes the Facade of Social Media

In the satirical “Ingrid Goes West,” actors Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen tell a cautionary tale about loneliness, delusion and how personal technology has rewritten our definition of love.

​LCD Soundsystem Matures on ‘American Dream’

If you’re already old, nostalgic and grumpy, how do you age gracefully in indie music? A little bit of stagnation, and a little bit of subtle development. 

Stale Writing Plagues 'The Defenders'

Marvel's new series fails to live up to its characters' greatness. 

Despite failed funding experiment, ‘Logan Lucky’ shines

For nearly three decades, Steven Soderbergh has been one of the most prolific filmmakers on the planet.

Student installation ‘Soundworm’ dismantled

After almost three years standing between Anderson Hall and Fondren Library, Rice University’s first and only student-created public art installation, “Soundworm,” was removed in early August.

Arcade Fire flounders on 'Everything Now'

Since their near-perfect first album, “Funeral,” in 2004, Arcade Fire has produced consistently excellent music that tackles the existential pain familiar to us all with skill and energy.

‘Wind River’ meditates on healing and survival

In the final chapter of his American West trilogy, writer Taylor Sheridan uses a Native American reservation as the setting for a sinister crime thriller that’s aware of just how Darwinian life can be, particularly for the marginalized. As an agent for the U.S.

Interviews with FPSF Artists: Thoughts behind the process

Free Press Summer Fest Flounders: Review and Gallery

Without a doubt, Free Press Summer Fest is designed to be a summer festival tailored for Houston, yet somehow seems to forget about a Houston summer staple: rain.

KTRU Outdoor Show to Promote Local Music, Student Installations

What do Chicago rappers, Houston jazz bands and South Indian religious music have in common? They will all be featured at KTRU’s upcoming 26th Outdoor Show.

Nobie’s: Where Yuppie Meets Hipster

Nobie’s is home to one of the most eclectic menus in Houston. Nestled in a house on a residential street, the restaurant serves up a constantly changing menu that draws upon the executive chef’s fine-dining roots in a more approachable and affordable way.

'The Women in the Castle' falls short of premise

Jessica Shattuck’s most recent novel “The Women in the Castle” is based partly on her experiences as the granddaughter of Nazis.

Kristen Stewart steals the show in ‘Personal Shopper’

In the drama “Personal Shopper,” director Olivier Assayas reunites with Kristen Stewart to take us through one woman’s time spent grappling with life’s unanswerable questions.

Joey Badass falls flat with social commentary

When Joey Bada$$ made his debut with “1999” at just 17 years old, he turned heads with a style distinct from that of his youthful hip hop contemporaries.

International blockbuster ‘Your Name’ shines

Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to re-evaluate the possibilities of storytelling. Last year, in Japan, Makoto Shinkai’s anime film “Your Name” surpassed the high bar set by 2002’s global smash “Spirited Away” to become the country’s biggest hit of 2016, and the highest-grossing anime film worldwide.

Father John Misty Worries on “Pure Comedy”

Following up 2015’s sophomore album “I Love You, Honeybear,” Father John Misty’s recent release, “Pure Comedy,” proves that pretentiousness sells.

Delicious regional Mexican food at Xochi

Downtown has had some major upgrades thanks in part to the Super Bowl. This means that the area by George R.

Maba: Mixing Flavors in Midtown

Maba Pan-Asian Diner is a recent addition to Midtown’s food scene, serving Asian fusion in a cool and trendy setting.