Film, book and music reviews

Indiana Jones and the
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Actors/Actresses: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf

Director: Steven Spielberg

Plot: Err, well, it was very complicated but I will try my best to explain it. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and companions are fighting Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) and the soldiers of the Soviet Union for the possession of the Crystal Skull. The Soviets want it to gain knowledge and they believe it has something to do with controlling other people’s minds (or something like that). Indiana Jones want the Skull so that he can put it in its right place for the simple reason that it’s the right thing to do (I think).

Spoiler warning!

Negative/Positive Views: It had some interesting scenes, with a lot of typical Indiana Jones stuff, like bashing cars into each other, and lots of punching. The second to last scene was just plain weird, they (Indy and co.) are all running out of this magic temple-thingy, which is collapsing, and then this U.F.O flies out of it. I think the worst problem was the plot just didn’t make sense. Maybe if I watched it a second time I would be able to follow the story better.

Overall: I would recommend seeing it if you get the chance, and it had lots of typical Indiana Jones stuff, as I said, and all those scenes are good. Comparing it to the previous 3 movies, it most resembles the second one, The Temple of Doom, though in my opinion, I would say the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is better. There was only two funny scenes really, which was a shame, but they were both pretty good. Rating: 8/10

George 13

‘Tales Of Rome’
By Kathy Lee

‘Tales of Rome’ is a trilogy of books by Kathy Lee. The three books are called ‘A Captive in Rome’, ‘Rome in Flames’ and ‘The Edge of the Empire’ and are published by scripture union.

The books follow the story of an eleven year old Celtic boy, Bryn, living in Britain during the time of the Roman Empire. He is sold into slavery in following capture by the Romans. He is taken from Britain to Rome where he works as a cook and then on a farm. He longs to be reunited with his brother.

The books are gripping as they tell the story vividly of life as a slave. Eventually Bryn’s freedom is bought by another slave, Tiro, who gives up his own freedom. Through Tiro sacrificing his own freedom Bryn finds faith in God and becomes a Christian. Bryn manages to buy his own brothers freedom and they return to Britain together.

I found these books really enthralling and would recommend the entire trilogy to everyone around my age and think they are very suitable for both boys and girls.

Mary 12

‘IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE!’

Every year, since I was 2, I have been to the ‘Celebrate’ conference in Devon for a week at Easter time. ‘Celebrate’ is a time to worship God and learn more about him with our families. It is great fun! But this year, there have been weekends all around the country instead of the week so that more people can attend. I wasn’t sure it was going to be as good as going away and some people had never been before but as soon as I got there I LOVED it!

I was lucky to be able to go there early and help set up and I learnt how to operate the lights for the stage. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. All the children were divided into age groups and each stream called a different name. I was in ‘FIRED UP!’ and the others were called ‘Little Flames’, ‘Rooted in God’s Love’, ‘How Much More?’ and ‘Flame Academy’.

In my group we designed T-shirts and stained glass windows. We made a prayer box, sang, danced and watched drama. It was so BRILLIANT! It didn’t matter if you did not know anyone because we were put into small groups which helped to get to know each other. Mine was called ‘St John Bosco’ who was born in 1815. We joined the adults for Mass both days and on Saturday we had a delicious fish and chips supper all altogether.

It went so quickly and I hope more people will come to the week down at Devon to learn about God and all He has done for us.

Catherine 10