Valerie Ettenhofer
Healani Brennan
Staff Writers
Movies
Jennifer Lawrence will return as Katniss Everdeen, and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark in the second installment of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, “Catching Fire”. The story will continue with an addition of Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair and will pick up after the games with a victory journey through the Districts. (In theaters Nov 22)
A full four years after the first film, J.J Abrams is finally bringing us “Star Trek: Into Darkness”. Abrams, the ever-so-secretive director, has kept the plot so under the wraps from fans that the villain played by “Sherlock” actor Benedict Cumberbatch is even a secret. (In theaters May 17)
In the science fiction movie “Oblivion”,set in 2072, an alien race attacks Earth and forces human life to relocate to a moon of Saturn. Tom Cruise will play Jack Harper, a drone technician who discovers dark secrets about the war against the aliens. These discoveries could put the fate of mankind in his hands. (In theaters Apr 12)
Ever wonder how Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.” ever came to be friends? So did the creators, because a prequel dubbed with the name “Monsters University” will be released this year. The movie shows how the two monster buddies met in college—starting off as enemies but blossoming into friends. (In theaters June 21)
Robert Downey Jr. will return as Tony Stark in “Iron Man 3” this year, kicking off a new string of superhero movies. The Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley, will be this movie’s villain. Returning to their original roles will be Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper and Don Cheadle as Rhodey, who dons a new red, silver and blue suit as the Iron Patriot. (In theaters May 3)
The fifth installment of the “Die Hard” series “A Good Day to Die Hard” is on its way to theaters. Bruce Willis will come back as John McClane on a mission to Russia to rescue his son Jack, (Jai Courtney) from imprisonment. McClane runs into trouble along the way and gets caught in a terrorist plot. (In theaters Feb. 7)
Stephenie Meyer didn’t only write the “Twilight Saga.” Her other novel was one of the sci fi apocalypse genre centering on aliens that essentially take over human bodies. This movie adaption will star Saiorse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) as lead protagonist Wanda/ Melanie, with Diane Kruger as The Seeker, and Jake Abel as Ian O’shea; Wanda’s love interest. (In theaters Mar. 29)
Based off of the classic 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby,” the movie of the same name will star Leonardo DiCaprio as protagonist Jay Gatsby with Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan. The movie follows the lavish life of Gatsby as his neighbor Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) observes the romance and tragedy in which follows him. Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge!) and also starring Jason Clarke as mechanic George Wilson with Isla Fisher as his wife Myrtle Wilson.
First it was Doug that went missing. Then it was Teddy. So who will Stu, Phil, Doug, and Alan be finding this time? The “Hangover Part III” will be the new adventure this rat pack will have. (In theaters May. 24)
We have had Batman, Iron Man, Spider Man,Thor, and the whole Avengers team assemble this year. Now it is Superman’s turn. “Man of Steel” will be based off of the original story of this iconic character, with Henry Cavill as the super man himself. Zack Snyder (Watchmen) directs Cavill and Amy Adams as Lois Lane, with Michael Shannon as bad guy General Zod. (In theaters June. 14)
Television
“The Carrie Diaries”explores the pitfalls and the pinnacle of high school for New York’s most beloved fashion icon, Carrie Bradshaw. It’s a bubblegum-bright look back at the eighties starring Anna Sophia Robb. (Mondays on the CW)
“Under the Dome”is the latest adaptation of a Stephen King story. It follows the lives of power-hungry civilians scrambling to take control after a mysterious, invisible dome cuts their small town off from the outside world. (Premieres June 24 on CBS)
The offbeat ensemble comedy “Arrested Development”was canceled in 2006. In the six years since, it’s built an impressive fan base and will soon return for a fourth season with a hilarious cast including Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Michael Cera. (Premieres in May on Netflix)
Welcome the return of America’s most loathesome cannibal! “Hannibal” follows the iconic killer in his early days as a forensic psychiatrist assisting an FBI agent played by Hugh Dancy. Bond villain Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role made famous by Anthony Hopkins. (NBC, to be announced)
The Avengers may be reuniting sooner than you think. Joss Whedon, the mind behind the film and cult TV hits like “Buffy”, has made plans to revisit the Marvel universe with “S.H.I.E.L.D.”, an inside look at the top-secret agency populated by Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson on the big screen. (ABC, to be announced)
“The Following” has already gained viewer traction due to its movie-star appeal (Kevin Bacon plays the FBI hero) and an intriguingly creepy premise following a network of copycat serial killers. (Mondays on Fox)
Netflix is experimenting with exclusive, original content, including “Hostel” filmmaker Eli Roth’s upcoming horror project “Hemlock Grove.” The show will likely draw fans of “The Vampire Diaries” as it features a young, attractive cast solving a supernatural mystery in a small town. (April 19 on Netflix)
Will Ferrell is helming a workplace comedy called “Assistance” that follows a woman trying to juggle work with her personal relationships. Knowing Ferrell, there will be comedy audiences need to see to believe. (To be announced on NBC)
Dive into the origin story of Norman Bates with “Psycho” prequel “Bates Motel.” The show centers on the eerie relationship between Norman (Freddie Highmore) and his mother (Vera Farmiga) as they open their infamous dead-end motel. (March 18 on A&E)
Books
Khaled Hosseini became one of the most-read authors on the planet with his touching tale of family and struggle in Afghan history, “The Kite Runner”. His latest, “As the Mountains Echoed”, explores the same grand issues of love and sacrifice. (May 21)
Sookie Stackhouse may be alive and well on HBO’s “True Blood”, but “Dead Ever After”marks her last hurrah in print as the story of Bon Temps vampires and shifters comes to a close after thirteen installments. (May 7)
“The Storyteller”is both the name of Jodi Picoult’s newest feel-good novel and the position she’s been given by her eager readers. The author of bring-your-own-tissue dramas such as “My Sister’s Keeper” now weaves the story of a lonely baker and an old man with a secret. (February 26)
Activist and literary icon Maya Angelou continues the chronicle of her own extraordinary life in “Mom & Me & Mom”, a portrait of her mother, their relationship and the complexities therein. (April 2)
Master of Horror Stephen King returns to one of his most haunting stories in “Dr. Sleep”, a sequel to “The Shining” that follows little Danny (of “Redrum!” fame) as an adult trying to use his supernatural ‘shine’ for good. (September 24)
Memoirs are poised to be a dime a dozen this year. Expect tell-alls penned by everyone from Cee Lo Green and Courtney Love to former secretary of state Madeleine Albright and Samantha Geimer, the victim of director Roman Polanski’s 1970s rape scandal. (various release dates)
2013 is a good time to be writing young adult fiction, especially female-driven dystopian tales in the vein of “The Hunger Games”. Veronica Roth’s “Divergent”, Lauren Oliver’s “Delirium” and Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices are all popular trilogies with expected conclusions this year. (various release dates)
Music
Justin Timberlake will bring a second dose of sexy this year with his anticipated return to music. He has yet to release any information about his new album besides his single “Suit & Tie.”
David Bowie will release his 24th album this year with the title “The Next Day”. Fans have waited long enough as this is his first album in 10 years. It’s also an impressive feat as he is now 66 years old. His new single is a piano filled ballad called “Where Are We Now” and is available on iTunes now. (Out Mar 12)
First-time mom Beyoncé is set to release a new album with possible duets with Mr. Sexyback himself, Justin Timberlake. Album titles and dates are to be announced. (Out Spring/Summer)
Grammy-winning Canadian group Arcade Fire will be releasing a new album with titles yet to be announced. Rumors of a collaboration with LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy are floating around as well. Let’s hope they can top their award-winning album “The Suburbs” this year.
He’s a man Taylor Swift dedicated a song to, who is married to Faith Hill and has starred in multiple lead roles. Country music stud Tim McGraw is producing yet another album. “Two Lanes of Freedom”, McGraw’s first album with Big Machine records and with the single “Truck Yeah” will be out Feb. 5.
The long awaited new Paramore album is on it’s way. After one of the group’s members split many were afraid there would not be another album but have no fear. The band will release their self-titled album Paramore on Apr. 9.
Concerts
The band that possesses the most wanted front man will be in Washington this year. Maroon 5 will grace this state with their presence and pop music at the Key Arena Mar. 11. Buy tickets now!
Rock band Muse will be hitting the Seattle streets Feb. 1 at the Key Arena. Their new hit single “Madness” from their album “The 2nd Law” is proving to be successful on the charts.
Indie rock/ synthpop band Passion Pit will headline the Paramount Theatre on Mar. 5 featuring Matt & Kim. This will be the band’s second time being in Washington in two months.
Newly successful for their singles “Some Nights” and “We Are Young,” expect tickets to go fast for the Fun. tour. Buy them now for their show at the Paramount Theatre for Feb. 5.
She’s the girl famous for stealing hearts of guy’s everywhere and then writing a song about every single one. Some love her some hate her. Taylor Swift will be at the Tacoma Dome Aug. 31, be prepared for her fairytale inspired show.
They’re the biggest boy band in the country right now. One Direction will capture hearts at the
Key Arena on July 28, be prepared for ear drums to blow out from all the screaming teen fans.
Stage
If you loved the movie you may love the theatre rendition. Based off of the novel, the broadway production of “War Horse.” The play will come to the Paramount Theatre Feb. 13 to 24.
Tony nominated musical “Sister Act” makes its way to Seattle this year. The musical is based off of the 1992 movie of the same name that starred Whoopi Goldberg. With multiple positive reviews and mega popularity in the theater crowd this has deemed a must see. Buy tickets now for the Paramount Theatre from Aug. 25 to 30.
In honor of its 30th anniversary “Flashdance” is becoming a musical! Be the first to see it on its first national tour at the Paramount Theatre Apr. 16 to 21.
