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

New in Cairo Cinemas: What to Expect From This Week’s Top Film Releases
written by
Sherif Khairy

Bradley Cooper sings and Lady Gaga acts in A Star is Born. Just the tip of the iceberg in quite an exciting week in Cairo cinemas. You can also go and see Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times at the El Royale, or In Darkness featuring Ed Skrein, Natalie Dormer, and Emily Ratajkowski.

A Star is Born

What’s it about? Bradley Cooper plays a famous musician who’s seeing his career decline thanks to alcoholism. In his final act, he tries to give a helping hand to Lady Gaga, a young singer and actress trying to build her own career.

The good: Bradley Cooper is quite a talented artist, and this could just be the movie to prove it beyond any doubt. In this one, he has to sing, act, as well as co-write and direct the film. Preliminary ratings say he’s just about succeeded, and the excitement of seeing this whole new side of the immensely popular Lady Gaga could elevate the film further.

The bad: First-time director, first-time actress, things are looking a bit risky. The bigger part of the movie relies on their dynamic, so if that comes up short, so will the movie.

Bad Times at the El Royale

What’s it about? As simple as it sounds, the movie is about how fate brings seven strangers to Lake Tahoe’s El Royale hotel. And in one night, they can all reach redemption, or fall into their dark past.

The good: Just take a look at the cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Hemsworth, Jon Hamm, Jeff Bridges, and Nick Offerman. Talented director and writer Drew Goddard is at the helm here, and he already has experience with Chris in The Cabin in the Woods. If preliminary ratings are to be trusted, this looks like a bang.

The bad: Talent or not, this is Drew Goddard’s second movie, and directing such a star-studded cast is not an easy feat. Balancing screen time is hellish, and bringing the best out of everyone could be impossible.

In Darkness

What’s it about? A blind musician minding her own business overhears a murder committed in the upstairs apartment. Investigations suck her into the criminal underworld of London.

The good: Natalie Dormer has had standout roles in The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, but this could be her chance for even more acclaim. The plot of the movie is somewhat new, and it incorporates elements that can make it quite interesting.

The bad: No standout names, and a director with no blockbuster movies under his belt. While the movie may have potential, it may lack the drive to bring it home.

 

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

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