? AT THE MOVIES-

Hassan El Masry (trailer: runtime: 1:26) is an Egyptian action film that takes inspiration, and maybe a bit more, from Man on Fire and Taken. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, this Egyptian film follows Hassan (Ahmed Hatem Omar), a special-forces trained professional donning a hearing aid and living as a driver and bodyguard in Lebanon. He acts tortured (note ‘act’) as he lives in solitude after losing his last family member, his sister, in a car bomb that was meant for him. He chooses to go through the motions in life until he is assigned to guard a young teenage girl who reminds him of his sister and a whole can of worms opens up.

The dialogue felt too script-y but the action sequences were solid. Maybe it was Ahmed Hatem Omar’s monotonous acting, but oftentimes the dialogue seems like a script reading with few reactions from the leading hero’s face. On the other hand, the other actors were spot on — Diamond Bo Aboud, Mourad Makram, and youngsters Lina Sophia Ben Hamman and Aysel Mohamed Ramzi, despite their young age, were naturals on the camera. Look for the scene when Markam lends an enemy a death blow that will have you applauding. Also, the action sequences were well-thought out, even if it was sometimes a little too dark to notice the details.

It’s trying to do a lot and leaves many questions unanswered. First of all, who were the people who killed his sister? Were they connected with the villains he is chasing in the film? Who did he work for before going to Lebanon? How did he meet Joelle (Diamond Bo Aboud), and how does he know El-Alfy (Mourad Makram)? These questions, and many others, could have been answered through a sequel, but the events of the film, unfortunately, do not lend us this option.

WHERE TO WATCH- The film is showing in VOX cinemas, City Stars cinema and Zamalek cinema.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Harvard Business Review (HBR) Guide to Unlocking Creativity shows the brain’s endless potential. Human creativity is a major asset that advances the way we address challenges and expand our horizons both as individuals and collectively. But while this tool is not always valued, it can be harnessed to achieve outstanding accomplishments. Throughout the pages of this guidebook, readers will learn the science behind creativity and how our brains can be steered towards thinking more efficiently. Through concrete steps, leaders in various industries can learn how to conduct more proficient brainstorming sessions, and encourage a culture of innovative exploration and originality, among other techniques to foster productivity and problem-solving.

Not inherently creative? You can become it. While thinking of creativity generally steers us in the direction of the arts, there is much to learn about the brain’s capacity to transpose skills from one field to another. In that sense, the guide reinforces the idea that, in fact, nobody “[owns] a monopoly on creativity.” And not only is it not an exclusive instrument, it is a necessary one in all kinds of businesses where leaders want to succeed, pioneer, and avoid becoming obsolete or peripheral.

WHERE TO FIND IT- You can purchase this volume of the extensive HBR collection from any Diwan bookstore branch or online.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Izmir Saray: A taste of Turkey, a touch of luxury. The recently opened venue is located in New Giza next to the iconic Andrea and the recently inaugurated Noi. What instantly caught our eye was the effortlessly chic decor and the high ceilings that add a touch of understated grandeur. But what is really impressive is the outdoor area which reigns over all of Sheikh Zayed. If you go at night, you’ll certainly enjoy looking over the countless city lights. The scenic views aside, the food was enjoyable — but not exceptional.

We love a good brunch and Izmir Saray has a decent selection to munch on. Think fruit and cheese platters, eggs, and pastries. You can also opt for one of the restaurant’s “breakfast sets,” which includes everything from cold cuts, to eggplants, and Turkish helva — along with a glass of Turkish tea, of course. If you’re going for lunch or dinner, go ahead and try out the ribeye steak or the slow-cooked asado ribs.

? Per person: EGP 500-800

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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