📽 AT THE MOVIES-

The Bad Boys are back with the fourth sequel to the franchise Ride or Die. The legendary Miami detectives are back to solve the latest case and this time it’s dusting out hidden boxes of the past. The film picks up four years after the events of the previous installment, with Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett facing new personal and professional challenges.

Captain Howard plays a big part — albeit posthumously. Mike and Marcus are blindsided by a police conference about their friend Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) who is framed posthumously in a cartel’s money laundering scheme by corrupt officials and the brooding mercenary James McGrath (Eric Dane). Lowrey and Burnett are determined to clear Howard’s name, turning the film into a prison-break movie involving Lowrey’s incarcerated son, Armando (Jacob Scipio).

Their investigation leads them deep into a web of corruption within the police department, with clues pointing to old criminal connections and a new, formidable adversary. Along the way, they encounter obstacles, including a squad of assassins and relentless law enforcement, turning their quest for justice into a high-stakes race against time. Along the way, there are nods to fan favorites, a star-studded roster of cameos featuring Tiffany Haddish, Vanessa Hudgens, Dj Khaled, Miami gangsters hunting the wanted duo, and an albino alligator that, well, does not need any further explanations.

This is a summer picture you don’t want to miss out on. Smith and Lawrence’s on-screen chemistry is fun to watch and it is filled with both laughs and action as the two combat crime while bickering at each other. The CGI at the start of the film was not the best though. It took up four precious minutes and may have deterred audiences unfamiliar with the previous films, giving them the wrong impression about the latest installment.

BONUS: The coda reveals that there may be another installment coming soon. We say no more.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the film at Arkan Cinema, Americana Cinema, Point 90 Cinema, Vox Cinema (Mall of Egypt), Vox Cinema (City Centre), Scene Cinema, Sea Cinema, City Stars Cinema, and more.

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Unearthing ambitions with Gold Diggers, Sanjena Sathian’s debut novel ventures into the complexities of identity, ambition, a touch of magical realism, and the pursuit of success in post-9/11 America. Set in a fictional Atlanta suburb, the narrative follows Neil Narayan, a young man yearning to carve out his place in a world defined by academic excellence and cultural assimilation.

Neil’s journey unfolds against two backdrops: His Indian immigrant parents’ expectations and his longing for the attention of his high school crush, Anita Dayal. However, when he discovers Anita and her mother’s secret alchemical potion made from stolen gold, Neil is thrust into a whirlwind of ambition and consequence.

Satire, magic, and mythology all blended to craft a tale that transcends mere storytelling. Through Neil and Anita’s quest for success fueled by the stolen ambitions of others, the novel delves into themes of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the pressure to excel in a society that often defines success in narrow terms.

The narrative shifts from adolescence to adulthood, from suburban Atlanta to Silicon Valley, Sathian maintains a captivating pace, keeping readers engaged with a rich tapestry of historical fiction and Bollywood-esque heists.

It’s a modern Indian-American novel, weaving together history, mythology, and contemporary issues with finesse. It’s not just a story — it’s a poignant reflection on the pursuit of ambition, the complexities of identity, and the eternal quest for belonging in a world constantly in flux.

You can find it at Cherry Blossom Books.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Itaria brings Japanese and Italian cuisines under one roof. Situated in Square One, New Cairo, Itaria offers an extensive menu featuring classic Italian dishes alongside fresh, expertly crafted sushi rolls — making it an ideal dining spot for groups with varied tastes.

Dual menu. Itaria’s menu is divided into two distinct sections: Italian and Japanese, meaning you can start your meal with a traditional Italian antipasto and follow it up with a selection of sushi rolls or a hearty pasta dish.

We started with the Italian classics: The Seafood Pizza was an oven-baked Neopitan dough adorned with fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and rocca topped with shrimp and calamari. The dough was ethereal but we could have had more toppings.

More Italian goodness. The Lemon Chicken Scallopini is a culinary marvel that truly delivers a burst of flavor with each bite. The chicken breasts had a slight crispiness on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside, covered with a buttery lemon sauce that made it both refreshing and indulgent.

The Spicy Tuna roll hit the right spot. Given the amount of space we had left, we selected two sushi rolls: Salmon Truffle and Spicy Tuna. The Salmon Truffle had crab, cubed salmon with avocado, and topped with truffle paste. The taste was far from anything we’ve tried before — but it did tickle our taste buds. Finally, the Spicy Tuna included fried shrimp, crab, chili, tuna paste, and scallion drizzled in teriyaki sauce which added a sweet and savory glaze. Inside, the spicy tuna paste had a fiery kick to it that balanced the sweetness of the crab. The fried shrimp added another layer offering a satisfying crunch.

NOTE: The restaurant does serve walk-ins but it doesn’t hurt to make a call to reserve. Give them a ring through their number or DM them on Instagram.

💵 Per person: 600-1200

🪑 Outdoor seating: No

🍺 Alcohol: Yes

🦽 Accessibility friendly: No

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