The Scizz

Welcome to the continuation of my 2011 summer movie preview.  This week I take a look at the major releases of June, but of course with a Sabres twist. I got some great feedback from people about my May preview, and as it turns out, there are many nerd/Sabres fans out there.  It is pretty cool that I can talk to complete strangers about comic book movies, hockey, and Dr. Who all in the same conversation.  Also, my girlfriend just cringed after reading that last sentence.  Hi Honey!  On to the movies!

We should all be familiar with the X-Men film franchise now (but I’ll forgive you if you block out Last Stand and I’ll punch you if you try to make me remember Wolverine).  As a huge fan of the comics growing up, I always loved the idea of this group of misfits with super powers that have to come together for the better of their kind and the safety of the world.  In the latest installment from Kick-Ass director Mathew Vaughn, we have a prequel that tells of the beginning of the young X-Men coming together for the first time.  So could there be anything else to do here but compare this young group of powerful mutants with the up and coming youth surge of the Buffalo Sabres.  I know I have already used Tyler Myers and Nathan Gerbe in the May preview, but add in Tyler Ennis, Marc-Andre Gragnani, Mike Weber and Jhonas Enroth , and you have a formidable team coming together to achieve a common goal….world peace.  Wait, I meant a Stanley Cup.  Sorry about that, I get my comic and sports priorities messed up sometimes.  Also in comparison,  Tim Kennedy is Magneto.  I have no evidence to support that statement.

I had to go with the Yachtsman personal favorite Cody McCormick here.  Yes, the only obvious connection is the number 8, but you damn well better believe that if the Sabres bring Cody back, I’m referring to him as Super 8 all season.  Especially if this film is as good as I think it is.  I have to say that despite being a total comic book nerd (5 comic book movies this summer), I am looking most forward to J.J. Abrams’ Spielbergian tale of mystery.  In a similarly odd way, despite the more well known current players and free agents out there right now, I’m also really looking forward to the re-signing of Cody McCormick.  Ever since he was called up for the 2010 playoffs, I think he has been one of the Sabres most consistent players.  He plays hard, fights hard, and does exactly what you want from a solid 4th line player.  He played in 81 games, finished with career highs in goals, assists, points, and shots on goal.  Not to mention his 142 penalty minutes and willingness to drop the gloves.  Both the film and the player are sleeper hits.

Back to the comics.   Green Lantern tells the story of an Air Force pilot named Hal Jordan that is chosen by a group of cosmic beings to possess a powerful ring.  This ring gives him superpowers and allows him to protect the universe.  I know I keep on making these silly comic to Sabres connections, but this one really jumped out at me.  Why?  In 2011, a Pennslyvania billionaire named Terry Pegula is motivated by his Buffalo-native wife and his love of hockey to purchase the Buffalo Sabres.  Using his powerful checkbook, he will be able to bring in/keep superstar players that will lead the franchise to a Stanley Cup.  This is fun and yes, I am a huge dork.

My initial instinct was to use former captain Craig Rivet here, but after re-watching the trailer for this R-rated comedy, I changed my mind.  The synopsis of the film is that the Cameron Diaz character is a shitty teacher who under-achieves because she has a rich fiancé and doesn’t value her job.  When she gets dumped,  she panics and tries to win over a substitute-teacher  (played by some guy from N’Sync) who is also rich, so she can be set again financially.  She attempts to achieve this by becoming a better teacher, with the eventual plan of going back to being “bad” again.  I already know I am going to take some shit for this one, and let me first say that I am not against the idea of resigning Drew Stafford.  HOWEVER, you have to admit he has been frustrating to watch over the past couple of seasons due to inconsistency, and this huge burst in offense we witnessed (had he been healthy all year, he would have easily lead the team in goals) has to make you think.  I hate contract years.  Is this a new Drew Stafford that will become an offensive juggernaut?  Or will he revert back to a 14 goal season after he gets a new, lucrative deal?  And why is Jason Segal in this movie?  He needs to focus on The Muppets!

Sidenote: This movie actually doesn't look all that great, but go to the 1:53 mark for one of the best scenes from any trailer I have seen so far this year.  Classic.

That does it for the June installment of my previews.  Check back within the next week for my look at July, which features a douche-bag with a jacket over his shoulder, a cartoon classic, the TRUE Captain America, and more than meets the eye.  Remember to follow me on twitter @TheScizz and @DGWUSports.