Matthew Hunter passed away recently.

The name may not ring a bell right off hand, but if you've ever been to one of our movie screenings in the Centrtal Florida area, he's the monitor at the door or inside the theater with his trademark movie logo hats, great big smile on his face and a helpful hand to anyone who needed it.

Matthew and MaryAnn have been the greatest couple that I've met during my time doing the film screenings. Always fun and a twinkle in their eyes.

Over time I was fortunate to work with Matthew on many occasions and made sure that for every piece of swag we got to give out, one hat was always held for Matthew. I can honestly to tell you he is one of the most genuine men I've ever met, and that is my privilege.

A memorial for Matthew Hunter will be held at the Rollins Chapel on Friday, August 7th, at noon.

Good-bye my friend and our love is with you MaryAnn.

Joey Cruz

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE is the penultimate chapter in the book and movie series, if you dismiss that the last book (Deathly Hallows) is being made into two films. Half-Blood Prince is the segue into teenage romance, defining oneself into the person they believe they wish to be and personal tragedy.

Half-Blood Prince has many more lighthearted laughs and situations than the previous two films (Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix) which adds to the appropriate awkwardness of being at that age. It was important to portray those qualities at this time so as not to make the main characters, especially Potter, seem more realistic. Instead he could have been a hard driven revenge demanding Voldemorte seeker. If Potter did not have those "teen" qualities, the story could have very easily become any other "revenge film". It would have taken away the love we feel for the young students we were charmed by from the very beginning. In short, it would have stolen their childhood from us.

In spite of the location Harry is forced to reside outside of the school terms, Hogwart's School of Wizardry and Magic, another character in itself, is truly Harry's Home. Nearly every adventure has been set at Hogwart's and it instills upon us, the value of having a place to hang our sorting hat.

Love finds its way to our favorite Hogwart's students, if not quite in the way we imagined. Nonetheless, it feels right, after all the peril, to allow hearts to run free for a spell. It certainly is the calm before the storm. Tragedy, betrayal, love, broken hearts and true friendship all rear their heads in the most momentous ways.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the perfectly placed piece in this epic saga. Although rated PG, there are plenty of jumps, shocks and dread to give the staunchest heart a stir.

A Grand Fit in a Grand Saga!

Joey Cruz

Happyness has returned to the RavenLoches realms and tickets are on the horizon. Not many but there are some. Thriller movie too, eeek.

Also, on this afternoon's update, I will post the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie review. It's interesting to hang back and not post the same night. It lets me get a feel for the overall flow / chi of the film.

It could also be a factor that I had my bionics tuned and filled on Monday Afternoon right before the second helping of Harry Potter for me. It was a tought day.

OK, time for a writing draft, nap, and then arrangements to get to see 500 Days of Summer tonight.

Joey Cruz

UNHAPPINESS!

Due to very unforseen circumstances, The Saturday Event for the Harry Potter Tickets has been CANCELLED.

Stand by for further ticket information soon.

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE FREE TICKET EVENT.

Saturday July 11th at Noon at Play N Trade in Lake Mary. Tickets, games, prizes, swag, discounts and more.

Also on Saturday the 11th, Red Faction Guerilla Tournament. If you haven't tried it, download the demo on your XBox 360 and practice. Great prizes to be won for the right Faction.

Get on it!

Joey Cruz