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Image courtesy of Marvel.

HOLLYWOOD—Now that 2012 is long behind us, its time to take a look at some of the most anticipated pictures hitting the screens in 2013.  From comic book superheroes arriving at the multiplex, to trusty novels expanding upon its fans, there’s sure to be something for everyone this year.

Let’s start out with the fifth installment (yes, that’s right fifth) in the “Die Hard” franchise with “A Good Day to Die Hard” arriving on Valentine’s Day.  Bruce Willis’ reprises his role once again as John McClane this time tackling terrorist overseas alongside his estranged son portrayed by newcomer Jai Courtney.  The trailer looks quite explosive and no movie does action quite like a “Die Hard” film.

“Oz: The Great and Powerful” is a prequel to the “Wizard of Oz” which chronicles the magician’s rise to power.  While not much is known about the plot of the picture with an amazing cast that includes James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis this picture has blockbuster written all over it. Expect the movie in theaters March 8.

A remake of Brian De Palma’s 1976 classic “Carrie” will hit theaters in October. This time Chloe Grace Moretz steps into the role that made Sissy Spacek a star and Julianne Moore will portray her troubled mother.  This movie screams anticipation.  I can only imagine what that infamous prom scene will look like on the big screen. The “Scary Movie” franchise is back with its next outing “Scary Movie 5” arriving on April 12.  The parody stars Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen, Ashley Tisdale and Heather Locklear.  The picture looks to be spoofing the supernatural phenomenon known as “Paranormal Activity” as well as the picture “Black Swan.”

The month of May is expected to be huge at the multiplex as “The Hangover III” arrives with the gang taking a trip back to original stomping groundLas Vegas.  I can only imagine the hi-jinks they’ll get into.  It arrives on May 24.  That same weekend Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reunite for “Fast and Furious 6.”  Its predecessor was one of the best in the franchise, and fans love a good caper movie that involves fast, fast cars.  To all those Trekkies out there J.J. Abrams follows his 2009 hit “Star Trek” with “Star Trek Into Darkness.”  The picture does indeed look menacing with Benedict Cumberbatch in a villainous role and the rest of the crew at his mercy.  Expect that movie in theaters on May 17.

One of the biggest pictures of 2013 in my opinion will be “Iron Man 3” arriving on May 3, what a coincidence.  “Iron Man 2” left me a bit disappointed, but from the looks of the trailer this will be the darkest in the franchise to date where Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle are all at the mercy of villain Mandarin portrayed by Ben Kingsley.  “Iron Man 3” is just the beginning of the superhero wave as “Man of Steel” hits movie screens on June 14 with Henry Cavill in the title role and Zack Snyder directing this tale looks to be quite dark to say the least.  That’s likely in part to producer Christopher Nolan who resurrected the Batman franchise.

For the adults who loved seeing old people kick the crap out of youngsters “Red 2” is expected to hit theaters in August with the return of Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren. Its been a long eight years, but fans of Robert Rodgriuez’s “Sin City” will be delighted to know the sequel, “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” arrives early October.  While nothing is known about the script, the picture is expected to be a bloody good time. Comedy lovers will be thrilled to see Will Ferrell reprising his role as Ron Burgundy in “Anchorman: The Legend Continues” which will arrive just in time for Christmas.  The last picture was quite a laugh riot, so expect nothing less.

To wrap up our discussion only one picture is sure to dominate the box-office this year and it’s the highly anticipated sequel “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” the second chapter in the trilogy of books by Suzanne Collins.  This chapter follows heroes Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) as they return home after being victorious in the annual Hunger Games.  The last picture was a huge treat for fans of the series and even those who never read the books.  Prepare yourself for sold out theaters come November 22.

So what pictures are on your 2013 list of must-sees share your thoughts?

By LaDale Anderson