? AT THE MOVIES-

Mohamed Ramadan-content lovers going through withdrawals after the conclusion of Gaafar El Omda are in for a treat. Harley (watch, runtime: 02:33) has all the basic elements you’d expect of his typical material, but there were some pretty good plot twists and surprisingly funny moments. The film follows Harley, a motorcycle engineer, trying to make an honest living after suffering a tragedy that he blames on his unlawful lifestyle, a decision that comes as an inconvenience to his former employer. Ramadan is joined on the big screen by Mai Omar, Mahmoud Hemida, May Kassab, and Hosny Sheraton in this action/comedy directed by Mohamed Samir.

The pacing was erratic and the sexism rampant, but it was the unusually explicit visuals that gave us a startle. Even other moviegoers audibly commented on the unprecedented audacity with which Ramadan flaunted his virility this time around. Though if you ignore those three issues, Harley is actually a fun movie with a great soundtrack. Just don’t bring your kids to see it.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can find Harley in most theaters across Egypt, including VOX cinemas, Cairo Festival City, and Mall of Arabia.

Move over, Mario, there’s another Italian saving the world in the Box Office. The Pope’s Exorcist (watch, runtime: 2:42) stars Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth, a Catholic priest serving as an exorcist for the Diocese of Rome. Based on a real person of the same title, the film follows an encounter with a powerful demon possessing a young American boy, Henry. But Fr. Amorth is not a regular priest — he drinks double espressos, rides a motorbike, and copes with uncomfortable situations using humor. While this is already a refreshing departure from Ye Olde Priests of most horror movies, Fr. Amorth is a notably rational man who puts great stock into science, stating that most of the cases he’s tasked with are simply people who need psychological help.

Don’t go in expecting jumpscares: The film is — refreshingly — not that scary, and focuses more on the mental load that comes with executing a young boy’s exorcism, with Fr. Amorth and his reluctant assistant grappling with their own sins as they try to save the boy. The writers seem to be hoping for a franchise, as Fr. Amorth is informed that he has 199 other similar exorcisms to perform.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can catch The Pope’s Exorcist in most theaters across the country, including VOX Cinema in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Want a glimpse into the mind of a ‘90s icon? Surrender, U2’s Bono’s candid memoir, is a must read. The book’s 40 long chapters walk us through the complicated life of a complex man. The singer tells it all: From the unexpected death of his mother, to critiquing his own temperament and shortcomings as a husband and father, the author does not shy away from sharing with vulnerability and reflecting on both the good and the bad. The book also traces U2’s journey to becoming one of the world’s most popular rock bands, with each of the chapters named after a song by the band.

The singer and activist — whose real name is Paul Hewson — also talks about his youth in Dublin and the political and social realities that shaped his worldview. Beyond his music, and his glamorous friendships, Hewson also tackled less merry topics like his role as co-founder in the organizations ONE and (RED) and his decades-long advocacy for HIV patients. The book, although lengthy, reveals a man who is in love with words, but also true to his own.

WHERE TO BUY IT- You can purchase a copy from any Diwan branch, depending on availability, or add it to your online cart and select a branch from which to pick it up.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Located in New Cairo’s Garden 8, Freya Brasserie serves international dishes with “an accent of French culture,” according to the venue’s website. The new eatery boasts a pleasant ambiance and interior with feminine touches as an ode to its namesake — the Norse goddess of beauty.

WHAT TO GET- The beef quesadillas made for a delicious starter, as did the stuffed portobello mushrooms. For the main course, we recommend the seafood paella or the chateaubriand if you like sharing your meal with a friend. The chef’s special — a deconstructed chicken lasagne — also got rave reviews from our friends. The menu also has sushi, burgers, and pizzas if you want to switch things up. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we had the tres leches cake, which was perfectly soft and sweet. You can reserve a table online before you head to the restaurant here.

? Per person: EGP 800-1k

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: Yes

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

Tags: