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

Every Wednesday, Cairo’s cinephiles wait with baited breath for the week’s new film releases. This week, even the most ardent of film fanatics might find it hard to get excited about the measly two new releases – one about a talking bear, the other a horror – but let’s the make the best of it, eh?

Paddington

What’s it About? Now settled in life among humans, Paddington begins to take on various odd jobs around town in order to buy his a present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, only for the gift to be *dramatic pause* stolen.

Why it Might Be Good: Well, what’s not to like about an marmalade-addicted anthropomorphic bear who wears a duffle coat? It’s as cutesy as cutesy gets and, following the success of the first, it should provide more of the same family-friendly, British-humoured fun. While Nicole Kidman hasn’t stayed on for the sequel, Hugh Grant has been added to the cast, while the likes of Michael Gambon and Julie Walters reprise their roles.

Why it Might Be Bad: As you can see, the plot isn’t exactly complex and lacks the deeper themes of the first, as this Peruvian talking bear comes to adjust to his new surroundings. Though in Britain Paddington is a universally loved character, it’s difficult for most others to see this as anything but a children’s film.

Leatherface

What’s it About? An origin story of sorts to the titular character, the man who goes on to become the notorious Leatherface escapes a mental institute with a nurse as hostage and takes her on a hellish road trip while being pursued by a police officer who has more than justice on his mind.

Why it Might Be Good: An iconic figure in horror film lore, exploring the origin of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series’ lead character is intriguing enough for fans of the franchise and horror-heads in general. While early reviews have been mixed, the film has been praised for being respectful to the franchise and being plot-driven. While there are no huge names attached, the two biggest, Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor have been praised by all for their performances.

Why it Might Be Bad: Overall, this is eighth film in the series and none have been able to capture Tobe Hooper’s truly horrifying 1974 original – in fact, none have even come close. In the grander scheme of things, it’s rumoured that producers have acquired licenses to make five more films, with many claiming this to be a stop-gap correction to what’s come before it – which doesn’t sound too promising.     

To find out where and when you can catch these films, as well as the week’s other releases, in the capital, check out the Cairo 360 Cinema Guide.