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

Gather cinephiles, for we have another compilation of what’s new in Cairo cinemas. This week we’re treated with three one-name action movies infused with either crime, drama, or sci-fi, starring three generations of stars. First off, we have Bruce Willis in Reprisal, followed by Kodi Smit-McPhee in Alpha, and the youngest, Myles Truitt in Kin.

Reprisal

What’s it about? Bruce Willis plays an ex-cop (James) – surprise! – and gets involved with a friend suffering from trauma induced by a bank heist. Frank Grillo (Jacob) is haunted by memories from the heist, especially as a co-worker was shot dead, and decides to do something about it with the help of friend, Bruce Willis.

The good: Ex-cop back in action? Check. Normal guy getting into a dangerous situation? Check. Complex investigations about a smart bank robber? Check. Things getting personal? Double check. Reprisal has all the ingredients of an action movie. Director Brian A Miller has experience in action movies, and experience in working with Bruce Willis through previous collabs in Vice and The Prince.

The bad: Bruce Willis has been in some sort of Nic Cage mood with tons of movies coming one after the other. Just like kiosks in Cairo streets, if you miss one, you can just keep moving forward ‘til the next. Unfortunately, with a cliché plot, and the same director who worked with Willis on previous mediocre movies, this one seems destined for the same fate.

Alpha

What’s it about? In prehistoric times, at the end of the Ice Age, a boy separates from his family. Through distress, he creates a powerful bond with a wolf, and together they embark on a journey back to the tribe.

The good: An action-packed movie in prehistoric times that explores the life of animals in the time, sounds good, right? It’s further boosted by excellent cinematography of stunning natural views, adding a lot to a gripping adventure story that also works as a family movie.

The bad: While the movie has been getting positive reviews, this is Director Albert Hughes’ first solo film on the big screen. What’s more is that it stars young actor Kodi Smit-McPhee who has to carry the movie on his shoulders.

Kin

What’s it about? An adopted teenage boy stumbles on to some sort of advanced technology and decides to impose the finders-keepers rule. His mysteriously powerful gun takes him on a dangerous adventure, with his ex-con brother, as they fight to survive those chasing after their newly found weapon. The movie stars Myles Truitt, Jack Reynor, and James Franco.

The good: While the plot is not completely fresh, it has bits and pieces there that may feel somewhat original.

The bad: No household names in acting, and first time writing/directing by the Baker brothers spells uncertainty in terms of quality. While the trailer looks promising, it has been getting mixed reviews. 

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