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

This week in Cairo cinemas, we’re not presented with too many good choices, but there’s something for everyone. Action lovers can tune in to the thriller Cold Pursuit starring Liam Neeson, while comedy fans can watch the heartfelt comedy, The Upside, starring Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, and Bryan Cranston. Finally, fans of animation movies can catch the sequel, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

Cold Pursuit

What’s it about? Liam Neeson plays a regular guy; a snowplough driver called Nels Coxman who’s living happily with his family. It all turns bad when his son gets mixed up with a drug dealer who kills him, and Coxman is driven to avenge his son’s death.

The good: Say what you will about the plot, Liam Neeson is an actor who can bring a charismatic and exciting angle to an action flick. Even if it turns out to be a mindless action movie, you’ll know it will still be enjoyable thanks to Neeson. Preliminary ratings are also quite promising for this film.

The bad: You may feel the plot is a bit outplayed, and you’re right. It’s the oldest premise in an action film, a regular guy turned rogue by vengeance for his family. This movie is a remake of a Norwegian film, In Order of Disappearance, released in 2014, and directed by the same man, Hans Petter Moland.

The Upside

What’s it about? Kevin Hart plays Dell Scott, a man with a criminal record is brought into the world of luxury as he takes the job of caring for Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston); a wealthy man with quadriplegia.

The good: The difference in character between Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston, both as people and as characters in the movie, really shines through the film. The Upside promises to be a heartfelt comedy with a thoughtful message about life.

The bad: Unfortunately, comedy films that try to send a real message can sometimes feel preachy and clichéd, at least that’s what a host of reviewers believe. It’s based on a true story and is a remake of the French film, The Intouchables, but many feel it doesn’t hold a candle to it.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

What’s it about? The citizens of this Lego world are facing a huge threat to their world in which “everything is awesome”. Now, they have to save their world from LEGO DUPLO®, the invaders from outer space.

The good: The first Lego movie in 2014 was a brilliant comedy, and this one promises more of the same. It comes from the same writers, but with new director Mike Mitchell, a veteran in animation movies. The film features Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Will Ferrell, and Will Arnett returning as Lego Batman.

The bad: As you can see from the title, this is the kind of goofy humour you can expect in the film, and while that worked brilliantly in the first part, it may not go as well in the sequel as we’ve seen with many other movies.

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