The Watch
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Starring: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade
**
On paper, The Watch looks like 22-carat comedy gold. It's hard to go wrong with Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and the British comic and director Richard Ayoade - all helmed by Saturday Night Live's Akiva Schaffer.
Trouble is, this story about four suburbanites who form a neighbourhood watch only to uncover an alien invasion is about as flaccid as a punctured tyre. Given that the script's writers include Seth Rogen, it shouldn't surprise you that its brains are crotch high.
The gags are crude and crass, the tone pitched somewhere between Men in Black and a Carry On film.
Hill has his moments as the unhinged, switchblade-twirling Franklin, while Ayoade's deadpan delivery as the divorcé Jamarcus is the film's saving grace. But with a bland Stiller-Vaughn bond, The Watch rarely feels out of this world.
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
THE SPECS
Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 571hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,000-4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L/100km
Price, base: from Dh571,000
On sale: this week
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