Author Archives: tonip

Shards Of Alderaan is one the many books in the ”Star Wars- Young Jedi Knights”-series. Book is written by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Monesta. It was released in January 1, 1997 and it was first in the saga. Theme of the book is definitely friendship and you can tell it by reading the book, four heroes fighting against the evil forces, Shadow Academy. Main characters in the book are Han Solo´s and Princess Leia`s twins Jacen and Jaina. They both are heroes with their friends Tene Ka and Lowbacca The Wookiee.  Their mission is to safe shattered planet from the evil forces of Shadow Academy. Book was very easy to read. The Narrator is omniscient and plot was really easy to follow. Plot was in some cases even a little bit boring. Story and characters were stereotypical. Hero saves the day type of books are not really my thing. Book didn’t capture the atmosphere of the orginal series. But reading experience was okay. Despite the stereotypical characters, they were portrayed well. Connections between the twins felt real. Good things in book where that there was no unnecessary characters. ”Star Wars- Young Jedi Knights” is a big series with one big plot so the first book cant really be over the top. Book was kinda beginning of this saga and it introduced the characters, and showed who are good and bad guys. But for star wars spinoff it was okay. It continues the story of the last film and it takes us to the world of new generation of heroes. But the relationships between all the characters was not so good until the end where Jacen, Jaina, Anakin, Tenel Ka and two enthusiastic Wookiees says: -”To the family” and the real adventure starts. Despite the lack of plot and stereotypical characters book was still entertaining and easy to read. And also it was really fresh to read book in English.

Gladiator is American-British film. Film was in 2000. Gladiator is directed by Ridley Scott and starred actors like Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen and Oliver Reed.  Movie was box-office hit and it won multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Leading Actor.

Movie tells story of Maximus Decimus Meridius. He is a Roman-Spanish loyal general who has leaded Roman army into victorys for years now. In this long war against Germanic forces Maximus is finally going home. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is dying but he doesent want hes son ,Commodus to lead Rome. Marcus asks Maximus to take his place and asks he to turn Rome back to rebublic. Commodus gets angry when he hears his father decision. He kills his father, takes his place and send Roman soliders after Maximus and kills his son and wife. Maximus survives the attacks but gets in his home too late, only to find his home burned. Maximus burrys his family and and collpases on the ground. Later he wakes up in a slave camp. Antonio Proximo (played by Oliver Reed) is an old gladiator and buys and trains slaves to become famous gladiators. Antonio buys Maximus and he is forced to fight in gladiator arenas. Maximus only desire is revenge and he fights his way to bigger arenas to face the new Emperor, Commodus…

Gladiator is epic historical drama film. Movies soundtrack is made by Hans Zimmer and its amazing. Characters in this movie are the best I have ever seen. Every character is believable. Special effects in this movie was big step ahead. All the sword fights and arenas looked realistic. One of the cast members, Oliver Reed died during the filming so he was made with computers in last the scenes. Also this is the best movie I have personally ever seen.