? AT THE MOVIES-

Could Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny become a future cult classic? It can be (at least, according to this review): The fifth installment of this legendary (no pun intended) franchise is the first of the series to not be written by George Lucas and/or directed by Steven Spielberg. That could explain why the film is being bombed by reviewers (watch, runtime: 11:31) and not doing well at the box office, because we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Our assessment: Franchise purists — long sick of Disney massacring their favorite films and characters like they’re Sonny Corleone — see this as another in a long line of misses by the conglomerate.

But we’re of the opinion that it could turn out to be a cult classic, especially as It follows the standard formula that made it a successful franchise. For one, Harrison Ford reprises his role with the coolness and ease we’re used to. This time as an aging Indiana Jones being reluctantly pulled back into action by his goddaughter, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame, to hunt down Archimedes’ Antikythera dial, rumored to have the ability to change the course of history, before the Nazis do. Classic Indy.

While the movie can serve as a standalone for those unfamiliar with the franchise, fans of Indy will be delighted by the throwbacks and cameos peppered throughout the movie, a little wink from Lucas and Spielberg, who both serve as executive producers. These nods to the original movies from now-director James Mangold (who directed Le Mans 66, aka Ford v Ferrari) may be mildly confusing if you’re a first-time watcher, but inconsequentially so.

Following up on the previous installment, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, seemed almost impossible — the movie famously torpedoed the franchise — but luckily, Mangold has experience breathing life into a flailing franchise as demonstrated by Logan, the brilliant swan song for X-Men’s Wolverine. Instead of walking back the events in Crystal Skull, Mangold leans into it while also grounding the movie significantly. So while overt supernatural elements carry over, they seem less out of left field. In the famous words of Professor Jones, it belongs in a museum.

WHERE TO WATCH- Catch the film at VOX Cinemas in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Citystars’ Stars Cinema, and Cairo Festival City Galaxy Cinema.

Finally, a comedy: The box office has been dominated by drama, horror, and superhero movies this year, but No Hard Feelings is here to set the tone for a more lighthearted summer. Jennifer Lawrence stars in this romcom (more like romp-com) as Maddie, a Montauk native struggling to keep her house amidst the gentrification of her village. So when she comes across an ad to date unsuspecting 19-year-old Percy (Broadway wunderkind Andrew Barth Feldman) in exchange for a car, she decides to go for it.

Not only a change of pace for movie theaters, the movie marks Lawrence’s freedom from the shackles of Oscar bait films and contracted franchises. Lawrence’s acting chops were already evident, earning her plenty of awards and nominations from the likes of the Golden Globe, the SAG Awards, and the Academy Awards — but not all good actors are good comedians. Luckily, Lawrence is. Her chemistry with Feldman is undeniably strong, and their comedic timing, on-screen charisma, and body comedy inspire many a laugh-out-loud moment, even when a good portion of the movie has been censored due to explicit scenes.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can catch No Hard Feelings at VOX Cinemas in City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri is the Pulitzer prizewinner’s latest novel, and it doesn’t disappoint: Originally written in Italian and translated into English, the narrative revolves around an unnamed 40-something woman living in an unknown town, (which through the novel’s descriptions is akin to Rome) as she reflects on her life, experiences, and current status: an adult woman living by herself in a strange country.

Through her first-person narration we begin to discover different facets to her personality. These include parents that she worked hard to please in the past, and today, her mother who is distraught with grief after losing her father. We meet her friends and colleagues, whom she feels a great affection for, yet remains awkward, around. Finally, a figure of love that looms over her life like a shadow.

The novel is not long, but the prose is brilliant, as Lahiri’s story-telling renders the experience of loneliness — and of being an adult — intimately in a way that feels very familiar.

WHERE TO BUY IT- You can get your copy from your nearest Diwan. You can also select it on your online cart and pick it up from the branch of your choice.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Charlie’s is a breakfast spot with great ambiance and even better food: This charming Korba eatery occupies one of the area’s gorgeous classic villas, and offers a diverse breakfast menu available till 1:30pm.

What to order: Their croque madame is deliciously filling, made with fluffy focaccia bread and filled with smoked turkey, cheddar cheese, and sunny side eggs — perfect if you’re a one dish type of person. Their veggie omelet, served thick and soft in the pan, is also exceptional. A zaatar bun to share is a perfect accompaniment. Don’t forget to order their chocolate marshmallow pancakes to end the meal with a bang.

It’s not brunch without drinks: Try out their basil lemonade for a refreshing kick, but if you need your dose of java, you can’t go wrong with their rose latte.

? Per person: EGP 300-400

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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