The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Hello Cairenes, welcome to another week of what’s new in Cairo cinemas. This week is a bit of a light one thanks to Eid Al-Adha, as Arabic movies are set to rule the screens starting next week. We’re only left with two English movies, however, they are quite promising: The Equalizer 2, the sequel to Denzel Washington’s crime thriller, and Christopher Robin, which is essentially a Winnie-the-Pooh movie with a twist.

The Equalizer 2

What’s it about? Robert McCall, not to be mistaken with Die Hard’s John McClane, is back as the retired CIA black ops agent who’s somehow forced back into action when some people attempt to kill him, but end up kidnapping his friend instead. The Equalizer franchise is actually based on Edward Woodward’s 80s television series. Fun fact: In 40 years of acting, this is Washington’s first ever sequel.

The good: When it comes to acting skills, it doesn’t get more refined than Washington’s. The man has a unique charisma that allows him, even with a non-ripped body, to perfectly embody a character in action movies. The movie comes from decorated director, Antoine Fuqua, known for Olympus Has Fallen, Southpaw, and Brooklyn’s Finest. He’s also worked with Washington on The Magnificent Seven and The Equalizer.

The bad: It’s not easy to find fault with a movie starring an actor like Washington, and led by a director such as Fuqua, but the problem, perhaps, lies in the plot; a retired agent going back into action, it might as well read, “This time it’s personal” to complete the cliché.

Christopher Robin

What’s it about? A man finds himself stressed out from work and unable to spend time with his family. Taking a walk, he finds himself face to face with the Pooh Bear, who asks for him for help. The man, along with his new friend, goes on a journey that teaches him the importance of family.

Christopher Robin is an old character created by A.A. Milne and appeared in Winnie-the-Pooh stories in the 1920s. It has, however, disappeared from the Disney version, and from the limelight altogether, until this movie happened.

The good: The movie has all the perfect ingredients for a fun family movie that includes all-time-favourite characters, delivering nostalgic feelings to almost every member of the family. Directed by versatile director Marc Foster, who is known for World War Z, Quantum of Solace, and Finding Neverland, the movie stars Ewan McGregor and Hayley Atwell. We say give it a shot, but just try not to tear up in joy while watching.

The bad: If family movies are not your cup of tea, this is probably not the movie for you; you may see it a little bit cheesy, or too simple. You even may end up hating it for hitting the soft spot in you.

To find out where and when you can catch these films, check out the Cairo 360 Cinema Guide.