📽 AT THE MOVIES-

Marvel fans have been waiting for this moment all year. Deadpool and Wolverine, the latest installment in the MCU (and perhaps a hint of what’s to come), juggles two reluctant anti-heroes — Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) — as the MCU dives headfirst into the multiverse.

Wade Wilson is your average joe. He toils in an average civilian life in a job selling used cars, and his Deadpool days are behind him… Until The Time Variance Authority (TVA) offers him a spot among The Avengers in a different timeline for an opportunity to “finally matter.” Instead of taking them up on their offer, Wilson decides to do what he does best — Deadpool all over everyone’s plans.

The contrast between Deadpool and Logan creates a unique comedic chemistry. Watching the wisecracking Deadpool and the somber no-frills Wolverine trying to get along to save the universe from extinction is an entertaining journey that filled the movie theater with laughter more than once, reminding all of us with superhero fatigue what we loved about the MCU in the first place.

It’s not an entry level Marvel movie. The concept of the multiverse enables an avalanche of cameo appearances that brought the audience to cheers, and references that only diehard fans can recognize. From forgotten 2000s superheroes to Wolverine variants, and a certain long-rumored Lady Deadpool, this film is full of surprises.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch Deadpool and Wolverine at VOX cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Cairo Festival City cinema, Point 90 Cinema, and Cima Arkan. Watch the trailer here (runtime: 2:38).

What do you do when you realize that the psychiatric patient you helped release from prison is your wife’s ex? Ex Merati ’s cast brings Hesham Maged, Mohamed Mamdouh, and Amina Khalil together for the first time in a delightful satirical comedy directed by Moataz El Tony — known for El Le’ba and Samir, Shahir, and Bahir.

The Plot: Youssef (Hesham Maged), a psychiatrist, has been assigned to conduct a psychological evaluation on Taha (Mohamed Mamdouh), a criminal, to determine if his behavior has improved and is fit to be released. After authorizing Taha’s release, Youssef is shocked to learn that Taha was once married to his current wife Sahar (Amina Khalil) — who divorced him after he was imprisoned — and is the father of her only son.

Things take a turn for the worse: Taha becomes solely focused on finding and rekindling his relationship with Sahar, while Youssef tries to sabotage his efforts while pretending to be his friend to avoid his wrath.

Maged and Mamdouh make a dynamic duo on screen, and it proves to be a great success, as their comedic presence is natural and unforced. Even though the concept and storyline might not be unique — we see some similarities to Daddy’s Home — the series of comedic situations and paradoxes in which the main characters find themselves offers ample opportunities for humor. It’s an enjoyable and light-hearted watch perfect for the summer season.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch Ex Merati at VOX Cinema at City Centre Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and Alexandria, City Stars Cinema, Cairo Festival City Cinema, Point 90 Cinema, and Arkan Cinema. Watch the trailer (runtime 2:17).

📚 FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Remembering tomorrow in Memory Piece, a compelling exploration of memory, friendship, and the enduring struggle for integrity in a rapidly changing world. Through the intertwined lives of Giselle Chin, Jackie Ong, and Ellen Ng, writer Lisa Ko crafts a narrative that spans decades and delves into the complexities of personal and societal transformation.

The narrative opens with Giselle embarking on her ambitious durational artwork, Memory Piece, in 1996. She diligently records her memories for a year, only to burn them upon completion. Yet, Ko’s novel preserves these memories, serving as a testament to the power of remembrance.

The story unfolds through three distinct sections, each focusing on one of the main characters. Giselle’s narrative follows her rise as a performance artist in 1980s New York, while Jackie navigates the tech industry’s boom in the late 1990s, creating a platform for digital self-archiving.

However, it’s the leap forward to the dystopian 2040s that marks the novel’s departure. Here, Ellen confronts a world reshaped by economic disparity and authoritarian rule. Forced to abandon her home in Manhattan due to gentrification, Ellen grapples with the harsh realities of a society divided by wealth and surveillance.

Despite its darker themes, it offers glimpses of hope and resilience. The idea of creating an archive to document the past and inspire future generations serves as a beacon of light in an otherwise bleak landscape, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, the power of memory and imagination endures.

The novel is currently out of stock at Cherry Blossom Books, but you can find it on Amazon.

🍴 HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Low-calorie ice cream and fro-yo? Yolé, a Spanish dessert store with branches around the world, is open across seven locations in Egypt. Yolé uses gluten-free ingredients with no added sugar, as well as vegan options for those of us who want to indulge in a satisfying dessert while keeping an eye on our macros. You can choose from a range of flavors, toppings, and additions.

If you’re feeling a little extra, you can add anything from pineapple, mango, and other seasonal fresh fruits to granola, nuts, and a variety of sauces on your soft-serve fro-yo. You can also make your pick of a cup, cone, or a soft and crispy bubble waffle cone. Our personal favorite was The Ibiza, which includes your choice of one fruit, one crunchy ingredient, and one sauce topping. Make sure to also check out Yolé drinks including Boba and iced frappés.

WHERE TO FIND THEM- You can now head out for a sweet treat in Cairo at the Open Air Mall in Madinaty, Mall of Egypt, The Drive by the Waterway, and Majarrah in Sheikh Zayed or in Sahel at Marassi, Seashell, and Amwaj.

💵 Per person: EGP 100-250

🪑 Outdoor seating: Yes

🍺 Alcohol: No

🦽 Accessibility friendly: Yes

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