📽 AT THE MOVIES-

Pierce Brosnan is back as a suave and suited hitman with a license to kill — and a southern drawl. Fast Charlie (watch trailer, runtime: 2:05) follows an aging hitman resigned to the nature of his work — the only way out is to die on the job. But part of it is due to his fierce loyalty to his mobster boss and friend of 30 years, Stan Mullen (the late James Caan in his final appearance).

But when a hit goes wrong at the expense of a donut — no Boston Creams were harmed in the making of this film — Charlie finds himself on a path of destruction and vengeance. Let’s be clear, Charlie Swift is no James Bond… but he’s not too shabby either. All Charlie’s armed with is a couple of guns, a sharp skill set, and a heart of gold.

It may come as a breath of fresh air for viewers fed up with the bloated budgets and runtimes of recent action films. The film definitely doesn’t have the grandeur of a 007 flick, but it’s a tightly written, conventional addition to the genre. Whether the typical tropes inserted by director Phillip Noyce are a feature or a bug is up for debate — we can think of one or two that the film could have gotten by without.

But Brosnan is difficult not to enjoy. His effortless charisma is almost nostalgic, making the over-familiarity of the film more of a fun watch than it may have been with another leading actor. Trust us, we’ve seen many an aging-hitman-longing-for-a-simple-life films this past year.

WHERE TO WATCH- Fast Charlie is currently screening at Scene Cinemas at District 5.

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Come and Get it by Kiley Reid — known for her Booker-longlisted Such a Fun Age —delves into the financial struggles of young women, shifting the focus from race to money. In this book, she poses the question: How much would you sacrifice for financial freedom?

It introduces three distinct characters whose lives intersect in a dorm at the University of Arkansas. Agatha, a visiting professor recovering from a breakup, embarks on a research project focused on weddings, but finds herself captivated by the financial dynamics of the young women she encounters. Millie, a dedicated Black resident assistant, assists Agatha, grappling with her own financial goals alongside her duties. Then there is Kennedy, a transfer student haunted by past mistakes who prefers emotional connections over practical ones in relationships.

The narrative unfolds through Agatha’s interactions with the students, providing insight into their attitudes toward wealth, family, and social expectations. As Agatha delves deeper into her research, aided by Millie, tensions simmer beneath the surface, ultimately culminating in a gripping exploration of class, race, and ethics.

The author masterfully navigates the complexities of consumerism, cultural norms, and human connection, highlighting the profound impact of money on everyday lives without judgment.News outlets’ reviews explain that the novel is “ precise, [its] realistic style kept me happily speeding through this novel to its finish ” and it “ deserves a place in the running.”

You can find it at Cherry Blossom Books.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Pao Pao is rolling out the noodles and saving our tickets to Asia this Ramadan. From the owners who brought you Baxters, they’ve brought us an Asian restaurant just next door to them, in O1 Mall, that serves all dishes from the bustling streets of India to the tranquil tea gardens of Kyoto, each dish is a passport to a new world of flavor. But it’s not just about the food — it’s about the experience where you get to watch the fire blazing from all the spices and sauces while the chefs work their magic in their open kitchen.

We began with the Gyoza and Dim Sums, along with the viral cucumber salad. For theGyoza (a popular Japanese dumpling dish consisting of a filling wrapped in thin dough and then pan-fried, steamed, or boiled) which we ordered with a chicken filling and for the Dim Sums we ordered a shrimp filling. Between the two, the Gyoza was our favorite — since the Dim Sum needed an extra 5 minutes of steam to cook the glassy thin dough — but both flavors were up to par. As for the cucumber salad, we were disappointed that it didn’t come in the accordion style that’s presented on social media — nevertheless, it was a definite member of the clean-plate club.

The star of the show would be the Pad Thai, and we imagine that it tasted exactly like it would from a Thai street vendor. The savory, sweet, and tangy notes were in harmony with the juicy shrimp, tender thick rice noodles, and crunchy peanuts. We felt that it just needed that splash of soy sauce which, when added, really brought the dish together.

We also tried the Shiitake Fire Ramen — word to the wise — they did not lie about the heat. If you like it hot, you’ll get it hot: This ramen is bold, spicy, and a warm hug of a broth. The burst of umami goodness complemented the bold heat that builds with every bite — but it would have benefitted from a creamy touch. But if you’re a fan of light broth then this is for you.

We can safely say we’re going back and next time we’re trying more — especially the Duck Burger and curries — there’s also many healthy, vegan and vegetarian options such as Tofu burgers and noodles.

They only deliver to New Cairo and Rehab residents through their phone number on their Instagram — but their ambiance, atmosphere, and aroma is worth the trip.

NOTE- The space is limited with a few tables and booths, inside and outside.

💵 Per person: EGP 500-800

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

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