? AT THE MOVIES-

The fourth movie is where most franchises falter — But Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes doesn’t have that problem. The latest installment of the Planet of the Apes reboot is set 300 years after the 2021 movie, and Caesar is now a mythological figure many have not even heard of. The film follows Noa (voiced by Owen Teague), a young ape from a falconry tribe, whose clan is captured and enslaved by another group of apes led by a self-appointed king, Proximus Caesar, coming across some unlikely allies as he attempts to save his family.

Humans are long gone (figuratively). The humans the apes know are nothing more than mammals. Most of them are non-verbal low-intelligence scavengers, and apes treat them as such. But the apes have evolved to near-human status — and that isn’t a compliment. As Caesar’s peaceful teachings have mutated to create/fit the agendas of power-seeking apes, the species fractures and falls into rivalry.

The film feels like a reboot of a reboot. The franchise’s departure from Caesar’s storyline is refreshing. We’re introduced to new characters and a new host of cultures, showing us the ripple effect of the events we saw in the last movie. Its message seems to be that history is doomed to repeat itself — but also in the sense that there will always be someone trying to save us from ourselves.

Need a refresher? You can binge-watch the first three movies on Disney+. You might need to brush up if you want to keep up with the next decade of films, as the four-movie franchise seems to just be ramping up.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can catch the trailer here (watch trailer, runtime: 2:31) or watch the movie at VOX Cinemas at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, Scene Cinemas at District 5, Galaxy Cinemas at Cairo Festival City, Stars Cinema at Citystars, and Cima Arkan.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Who knew Pooh could be philosophical? In The Tao of Pooh,written by Benjamin Hoff, a fascinating exploration of how the beloved character Winnie the Pooh embodies Taoist principles — an ancient Chinese philosophy focused on living in harmony with nature — is studied. It contrasts Pooh’s simple, intuitive approach to life with the more complex perspectives of characters like Rabbit, Owl, and Tigger.

In Taoism, the concept of Wu Wei, or effortless action, is central. Hoff illustrates this principle through Pooh’s actions, showing how he navigates life’s challenges with ease and simplicity. Pooh’s ability to go with the flow and accept things as they are reflects the Taoist notion of embracing the natural order of the universe.

The book also explores the concept of Pu, representing the innate purity and simplicity within each individual. Pooh, in his unassuming and authentic manner, embodies this concept, reminding readers of the power of simplicity and authenticity in a world often filled with complexity and pretense.

You get to gain insights into both Taoist philosophy and the deeper themes of Winnie thePooh. The characters’ interactions serve as a microcosm of life’s philosophical dilemmas, inviting readers to reflect on their own approach to existence.

A refreshing perspective on how timeless wisdom can be found in the most unlikely of places, including children's literature. It encourages readers to embrace simplicity, go with the flow, and find harmony within themselves and the world around them.

You can find it at Bibliothek Egypt.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Authentic Japanese street food in the heart of Cairo.Yamatako is the brainchild of chef Saiji Yamazaki, who moved to Egypt just this year to graciously introduce us to authentic takoyaki. This Japanese café has only been open for two months, nestled in Zamalek, and it has already built itself a loyal customer base from both Egyptians and Japanese expats alike. Yamatako is open Monday-Saturday from 2pm to 10pm.

Takoyaki, or octopus balls, is a type of Japanese street food. The snack consists of diced octopus cooked inside balls of fried or grilled batter and covered with takoyaki sauce, mayo, and Japanese seasonings. The takoyaki and the oyakodon — a hearty donburi that contains chicken, egg, and scallion simmered in broth — are Yamatako’s specialty. In fact, they were the only two things on the menu before Yamazaki was bombarded with requests for ramen, omu rice, and katsudon — which he happily obliged.

If you don’t like Yamatako’s takoyaki, you don’t like takoyaki. The dish is as authentic as it gets — you will often find Yamazaki behind the grill himself — earning the approval of many Japanese expats. It may be an acquired taste, and Yamazaki encourages Egyptians to try it three times before deciding whether or not they like it. The only downside to that is that when you develop a taste for it, the craving doesn’t go away.

Hankering for something sweet? Those familiar with Japanese cuisine may not be surprised to find red bean incorporated in the available dessert, which comes with a topping of vanilla ice cream. You could also opt for the tamagoyaki, a rolled omelet that you may be surprised to find on the sweeter side.

? Per person: EGP 300-400

? Outdoor seating: No

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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