Arts and Entertainment

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ offers a fresh take on a well-loved story

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” may be the new gold standard for both animated films and superhero movies.

‘On the Basis of Sex’ explores beyond Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s career

In “On the Basis of Sex,” Ruth Bader Ginsburg (played by Felicity Jones) is exactly the kind of heroine an audience looks for. She’s an underdog, facing discrimination despite graduating first in her class as one of the only women at Harvard Law School.

‘Celebrate Doilies’ brings nostalgia to the Jung Center

The Jung Center, nestled next to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, is a Museum District gallery founded to promote the ideas of Freud disciple and psychotherapeutic giant Carl Jung. 

Are You In Control?: ‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ contemplates mankind’s free will

Popular Netflix series “Black Mirror” is back, but this time with an innovative twist. 

Classics, sequels and hidden gems: movies to anticipate in 2019

As the new year starts, so does the next cycle of movies Hollywood will inundate us with. Here are some of the films to get excited about in 2019.

Exploring TFTI: On the hunt for the perfect Houston Instagram photo

Nestled in between an Edwards Theater and a Dave & Busters is a previously abandoned entertainment center. Now emblazoned with the words TFTI, a self-proclaimed “pop-up experience” has set up house. Its subsequent success highlights its role as the next iteration in Houston’s kitsch art scene and the associated Houstonian hunt for the perfect Instagram photo. 

Earl Sweatshirt is an open book in ‘Some Rap Songs’

Earl Sweatshirt paints his pain. On his new album, the Los Angeles MC masterfully unveils his struggle with depression, addiction and anxiety; a cocktail of emotions that he vomits out in his introspective raps. These same issues led him to cancel a tour and take a three-year hiatus from music. On top of all of that, his dad died last January. A 15-song, 25-minute album, “Some Rap Songs” breaks Sweatshirt’s musical silence. 

An unconventional study break: ktru’s second Cozy Show

This Sunday, free hot chocolate, snacks and music filled Ray’s Courtyard as ktru hosted its second annual Cozy Show from 7 to 11 p.m. A group of veteran ktru concert attendees (mostly ktru board members) sprawled out on blankets in the middle of the courtyard while others sat comfortably in a wide ring around the stage, chatting before and after performances. 

‘I was looking for you’ illuminates Inferno Gallery

Language of Art: Featuring Biochemistry and VADA senior Tejas Kumar

Ritmo 2018 Preview: Performances, art and food

Anderson .Paak’s ‘Oxnard’: A downgrade from ‘Malibu’

A complex, rich beat under the direction of Dr. Dre props up underwhelming and at times offensive lyrics on Anderson .Paak’s third solo album, “Oxnard.” Paak follows up his breakthrough album “Malibu” with a star-studded project boasting production from the legendary Dr. Dre and verses by Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, Pusha T and others. 

Astroworld Festival cements Travis Scott’s rise to Houston legend status

“Who put this shit together? I’m the glue,” Travis Scott proclaimed on his emblematic hit “SICKO MODE.” His declaration displayed in full force at the monumental Travis-led hip-hop festival, the first annual AstroworldFest. Aptly named after the historic former Houston theme park (and consequently, Scott’s record-breaking 2018 album) “Astroworld,” the inaugural festival boasted not only a star-studded lineup of rappers but also a unique, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a summer’s day at an amusement park — a Disneyland for the modern-day headbangers: hip-hop fanatics.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’: disjointed and disappointing

In 2016, the “Harry Potter” prequel film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” was resoundingly profitable, so it only made sense when it was announced that four sequels were being greenlit. The second film in this new series, however, is a product severely lacking in quality — “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is easily the worst film to take place in the Wizarding World so far.

ktru beyond the airwaves: “Sounds of Cinema” engages with Houston art community

From grand orchestral scores to locally produced music videos, music plays an essential role in elevating movies into immersive artistic experiences. Vincent Capurso, ktru community DJ, aims to give local art, music and film lovers a heightened appreciation for movie music both on and off the air. 

Dhamaka 2018: Spoken word, seniors and South Asian culture

It’s rare to see strong Rice student turnout at events besides public parties (and attendance at those is also dubious), but cultural showcases like Dhamaka almost always guarantee a packed room. An annual event hosted by the South Asian Society, Dhamaka brings together multiple cultural groups for a colorful showcase of South Asian culture.

‘Yukon Breakfast’ offers a humane lens to ‘Frankenstein’

The play, produced by, directed by and starring Rice students, gained a full production after winning the Rice Players’ first-ever Playwriting Competition. (The Rice Players gave stage readings of two runner-ups, Kevin Mullin’s “Have You Seen My Cactus?” and Elsa Schieffelin’s “The History of Flight,” during the Rice Playfest from Nov. 9 to 10.) 

Rice Dance Theatre: Inside the Making of ‘Limitless’

Patching the Past: Featuring VADA and English senior, Claudia Middleton

‘Outlaw King’: Clumsy but worthwhile

Although shows like “Game of Thrones” has seen a rise in popularity, medieval films have not followed suit. Production of such films is few and far between. Director David Mackenzie attempts to rectify this dearth of Middle Age epics with his new film “Outlaw King,” a flawed yet compelling piece of grand medieval entertainment.