? AT THE MOVIES-

A Quiet Place III, The first day of the end of the world: The third and latest part of the renowned series has arrived. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the film takes place during the first day when monstrous creatures appeared in New York and brought chaos to the city.

The escape from death and the search for pizza: The events revolve around Sam (played by Oscar-winning actress (Lupita Nyong'o), a poet and cancer patient, who craves pizza from her favorite place in New York, Patsy's. Unfortunately for her, the world starts ending — or so it seems. The plans change and Sam and her cat, Frodo, proceed to try to survive and escape from the creatures. She later meets Eric (Joseph Quinn), who joins them on their journey.

What we liked: The film masterfully balances eerie horror with intriguing drama. Nyong'o’s portrayal of Sam is particularly noteworthy, delivering a performance that is both emotionally profound and genuinely compelling. It was interesting to see how rather than resorting to special effects, Sarnoski insisted on relying on two real cats to portray the character of Frodo the cat. He clearly succeeded and called it a “ big victory ” for the team for adding a realistic layer to the events.

BTW: It is not necessary to have seen the first two installments to enjoy this movie, as it serves as a prequel in the chronological order of events.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the film at VOX in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, City Stars Cinema, Cairo Festival City, Point 90, and Cima Arkan. (Watch the trailer, 1:38 minutes)

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

A novel that has sparked divided opinions among critics and readers alike: Cloud Atlas. While some laud it as a work of genius, others find it overly clever. With its complex narrative structure and thematic depth, the book presents a compelling journey through time, space, and across six separate but connected narratives, spanning centuries and continents.

It begins with the mid-19th century voyage of Adam Ewing, a notary from San Francisco, whose unsettling journal recounts his journey to the remote Chatham Islands. The story then shifts to the post-World War I era, where Robert Frobisher, a talented musician, finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and passion while working as an amanuensis for a famous composer.

Subsequent narratives explore a 1970s environmental thriller, a contemporary tale of aging and regret, a dystopian future featuring genetically engineered beings, and a primitive society struggling to survive in a world ravaged by human greed and ambition. Each story ends in a cliffhanger, with the sixth narrative bringing the others to a conclusion while revealing the interconnectedness of their characters and themes.

While some may find the novel's complexity daunting, its thematic richness and captivating prose make it a rewarding literary experience. It’s inviting readers to immerse themselves in its labyrinthine world and emerge with a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling.

You can find it at Bibliothek.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Cloudnine Specialty Coffee is a cozy spot to unwind from your daily hustles. Nestled in Zayed Dunes’ DÕN HUB, it combines delicious baked goods with a calming ambiance. It's the ideal spot for leisurely coffee dates or catching up with friends.

Prefer the outdoors? Cloudnine has an inviting outdoor seating area, surrounded by greenery, which calls for serene, sunny breakfasts.

Let’s order. Their coffee was rich and velvety, just the way we like it. The turkey and cheese sandwich is a standout, the crunch of fresh ingredients in the freshly-baked bread makes each bite a delicious, textured experience. This place definitely values quality, and you can taste it in their dishes.

For those with a sweet tooth, the pistachio croissant is a must-try. This is Cloudnine’s signature delicacy, a heavenly combination of a soft, flaky croissant generously filled with luscious pistachio goodness. It's a treat that will leave you craving more.

Some things just didn’t hit the mark. The tiramisu, unfortunately, fell short of expectations. While the flavors might be there, the texture leans towards the spongy and cake-like side, missing the creamy richness that defines a good tiramisu.

? Per person: EGP 300

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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