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Tuesday, April 29, 2025 — Houston, TX

Arts and Entertainment

A&E 4/8/25 11:17pm

Arts and entertainment courses to keep you sane this fall

By Arman Saxena

Another course registration period – closing this Friday – has forced us to contemplate whether to drop a major or drop out altogether, but no worries: to assist you in considering your options, the Thresher has compiled a list of unique classes offered this fall semester.  

A&E 4/1/25 11:39pm

ktru’s annual Outdoor Show moves indoors, still thrills

By Charlie Cruz

ktru’s 33rd annual “Outdoor Show” music festival shifted indoors March 29 due to concerns about inclement weather. Despite the last-minute location change, attendees, performers and organizers said the event retained its lively atmosphere and community spirit.

A&E 4/1/25 11:18pm

Review: ‘Invincible’ Season 3 contemplates the weight of heroism

By Charlie Cruz

When I think of "Invincible," I immediately picture Mark Grayson at the emotional center of his universe, much like Spider-Man anchors the Marvel world. Mark is a hero deeply shaped by tragedy, yet driven by a seemingly impossible desire to remain good. Despite pure intentions, his efforts often backfire spectacularly. And ultimately, despite his reluctance, he faces uncomfortable truths about what it genuinely means to be heroic. 

A&E 4/1/25 11:16pm

Review: “Dead Channel Sky” sees Daveed Diggs and clipping. enter electronic utopia

By Arman Saxena

Even if you weren’t annoying in middle school, the first thing that probably comes to mind when you hear the name Daveed Diggs is “Hamilton.” But before Diggs made his debut as Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette on Broadway, he was creating dark and mechanical soundscapes as the lead vocalist of the experimental hip hop outfit “clipping.” along with fellow musicians William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes. 

A&E 4/1/25 11:12pm

Katie Butler embraces nuance, community through violin

By Angelica Hernandez

Katie Butler didn’t enjoy playing the violin when she started at four years old – it wasn’t until middle school, when she got to play with an orchestra, that she discovered her passion for the instrument. Now, she’s majoring in violin performance at the Shepherd School of Music and enjoying every moment. 

A&E 4/1/25 11:11pm

Review: ‘Black Bag’ is a masterful, original spy thriller

By Jay Collura

Over the three years I have been writing for the Thresher, I consider myself lucky when I’m able to review just one movie directed by one of my favorite filmmakers. Steven Soderbergh is the exception, somehow releasing two movies – “Presence” and “Black Bag” – in just two months. 

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

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

By Hugo Gerbich-Pais

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

By Hugo Gerbich-Pais

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

By Arman Saxena

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

By Jay Collura

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

By Sara Davidson

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

By Charlie Cruz

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

By Charlie Cruz

"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

By Sarah Motteler

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. 

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