The newly released comedy Ex Meraty has achieved remarkable success, topping the cinema box office on its first release day. Yesterday, the film managed to surpass Welad Rizk 3, which had held the top spot for approximately a month and a half now. It earned an impressive 2 million EGPs, securing the number one position over the past 24 hours.
Plot Overview
The movie revolves around Youssef, a psychiatrist tasked with issuing a psychological report on the dangerous criminal Taha for his release from prison. The twist? Taha is the ex-husband of Youssef's wife, Sahar, and the father of her son.
The Masterminds
Ahmed Abdel Wahab and Karim Sami, a dynamic duo known for their previous hits, El Beit Beity and its sequel, and Khaled Nour w Walado Nour Khaled, penned the film. Their writing, as usual, is witty and well-crafted, though the plot's basic nature and the film's title and trailer somewhat spoil the storyline. Character motivations and development arcs were not the film's strongest suit, but it remains an enjoyable popcorn comedy filled with laughter.
Directed by comedic maestro Moataz El-Touny, who previously collaborated with the writers on El Khetta El 3ayma, the film benefits greatly from its talented cast. El-Touny is known for his work on El Le3ba's ongoing seasons and movies like Samir w Shahir w Bahir, Mohamed Imam's Captain Masr, and Gaheem Fi El Hend. His direction kept the film cohesive and controlled, although the overly cartoonish and unrealistic portrayal of Mohamed Mamdouh's character weakened one of the action sequences. However, the second sequence was well-choreographed and compensated for this flaw.
Star-Studded Cast
The film features a cinematic triad: Hisham Maged, Mohamed Mamdouh, and Amina Khalil. Hisham Maged expertly delivers punchlines, building and delivering jokes effortlessly. He excels at reactive comedy, making his humour feel natural and unforced. Mohamed Mamdouh steals the show with his multilayered character, seamlessly transitioning between toughness and a softer side. The chemistry between Maged and Mamdouh is a highlight, adding depth to their interactions. Unfortunately, the chemistry between Mamdouh and Amina Khalil was lacking. Amina's character underwent a sudden and unconvincing shift after her secret past was revealed, which impacted the believability of her transformation.
Memorable Cameos
Ex Meraty features several memorable cameos. Otaka plays Mamdouh's sidekick, delivering a solid performance that enhances the film without overshadowing the main cast. Mostafa Ghareeb, Khaled Kamal, and Aly Sobhy also contribute to the humour, with Sobhy's over-the-top physical appearance perfectly matching his character's chaotic personality.
Final Thoughts
Ex Meraty is a funny popcorn movie built on an okay storyline that could have been explored further. Despite some flaws, the star-studded cast delivers a fun and entertaining adventure that is enjoyable to watch. The film's combination of witty writing, strong direction, and engaging performances makes it worth the watch for comedy enthusiasts.
