As the 2012 awards season continues in the background, film studios press onward in the everlasting battle for box office dominance and critical success. Among this year’s early pictures are adventures of mythical proportions, action thrillers entering with guns blazing and a fair amount of Nicholas Hoult. Can 2013 continue the run created by last year’s record-breaking box office total? Here’s a look at a handful of new contenders hoping to make their mark.

 

“JACK THE GIANT SLAYER”

March 1

Director: Bryan Singer

Warner Bros. (New Line Cinema)

Continuing the trend of bringing classic stories back to the big screen with today’s technology, director Bryan Singer’s new adaptation of “Jack and the Beanstalk” looks to find success in its bold cast and harrowing adventure. Nicholas Hoult plays the young farmer Jack who inadvertently opens the connection between the world of giants and his own, threatening the kingdom. Alongside compelling portrayals by Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane and Ewan McGregor, Jack must lead an expedition into a fabled land to rescue the princess, played by Eleanor Tomlinson. The adaption attempts to add new excitement and splendor to the well-known fairy tale of old.

 

“MAMA”

Jan. 18

Director: Andrés Muschietti

Universal Pictures

Jessica Chastain has been very busy lately, appearing in seven feature films in 2011 and three in 2012. She isn’t stopping there, starring alongside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau of “Game of Thrones” as they deal with the mystery of two young sisters who disappeared on the day of their mother’s death. Five years later, when they are found seemingly alone in the forest, Chastain and Coster-Waldau must wonder what kept the siblings alive for so long, and what may be threatening their family now. With executive producer Guillermo del Toro, a man who is no stranger to horror, Muschietti’s debut feature is in promising hands.

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“G.I. JOE: RETALIATION”

March 29

Director: Jon Chu

Paramount Pictures

Following the box office success of 2009’s “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” Channing Tatum and several returning cast members face a power that threatens the world. When their mortal enemy Cobra Commander takes control of global governments and powerful forces inside the United States frame the Joes as traitors to the country, it appears as though the elite team is down and out. Alongside newcomer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the military squad do what they do best in a covert mission that involves bringing back the original G.I. Joe, portrayed by Bruce Willis. Delayed from release last summer so it could be converted to 3D, this new G.I. Joe installment assures a thrilling and action-packed homage to the beloved franchise of old.

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“GANGSTER SQUAD”

Jan. 11

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Warner Bros

Originally planned for release last fall, “Gangster Squad” faced difficult rescheduling after the Aurora, Colo. theater shootings. After controversial plot changes, “Zombieland” director Ruben Fleischer is finally ready to bring his chronicle of the American Mafia to the big screen. Sean Penn brings back to life the menacing image of Mickey Cohen, a kingpin of the gangster world in the mid-20th century, as he leads his army of criminals in an underground takeover of Los Angeles. The remainder of a stellar cast featuring Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Nick Nolte and Emma Stone must fight in a war to both control and break the law in the first big crime drama of the new year.

 

“A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD”

Feb. 14

Director: John Moore

20th Century Fox

In a world of terrorist fighting and saving the country, the fifth time is the time to get out of the comfort zone. Now on foreign soil, Bruce Willis reprises his role as NYPD officer John McClane, who goes to Russia to help his son Jack, played by “Jack Reacher” actor Jai Courtney, only to find that his son is a CIA operative working to dissolve a criminal nuclear plot. Despite their different styles and struggling relationship, they must work together for freedom and democracy in the newest entry in the ageless action franchise. Perhaps after this adventure, McClane will finally retire? As long as his country is threatened and there are explosions to be had, it’s highly unlikely.

 

“IDENTITY THIEF”

Feb. 8

Director: Seth Gordon

Universal Pictures

Reuniting with “Horrible Bosses” director Seth Gordon, Jason Bateman finds himself in yet another situation where he just can’t catch a break. He plays Sandy, an unfortunate man with an ambiguously gendered name, opposite Melissa McCarthy as Diana, a Florida woman who lives the life of luxury through his stolen I.D. As she takes it upon herself to destroy his credit rating, Sandy travels thousands of miles to save everything he has worked for, only to find it a much more arduous task than anticipated. The coupling of Bateman and McCarthy is sure to garner laughs from old and new fans alike as the comedy giants return to the scene in grand style.

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“WARM BODIES”

Feb. 1

Director: Jonathan Levine

Summit Entertainment

Being compared to “Romeo & Juliet” isn’t uncommon for a new romantic tale based on a popular novel, though it might be for a film set after a zombie apocalypse. “50/50” director Jonathan Levine brings to afterlife the story of R, an unusual zombie who feels sudden emotion for Julie, the girlfriend of one of his victims. When an odd connection forms between them, they must find a way to survive both as humans and as comedic lovers. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, “Warm Bodies” is one of this winter’s most creative fighters for the captivation of both zombie and fantasy fans alike in a post-“Twilight” movie world.

“OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL”

March 8

Director: Sam Raimi

Walt Disney Pictures

That a true film reinterpretation of “The Wizard of Oz” hasn’t been made in over 70 years stands as a testament to the significance that the film holds. But a prequel should be fair game. Original “Spider-Man” trilogy director Sam Raimi throws James Franco into the fanciful Land of Oz as a circus magician with dubious intentions who finds treasure and power awaiting him. However, in a realm where he is hailed as the champion everyone has been waiting for, three witches, portrayed by Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams, aren’t completely convinced. The small-time Kansas wizard must work with his skills in magic while dealing with his own inner turmoil to become the great and powerful hero of Oz.

“HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS”

Jan. 25

Director: Tommy Wirkola

Paramount Pictures

The Brothers Grimm are well-known for the often cruel and violent folklore they created. They would likely be proud of this new adaptation of their classic tale of two siblings who are threatened in the woods by an evil cannibalistic witch. Fifteen years later, Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton have grown up to be ruthless and specialized witch bounty hunters and receive a job to track a merciless sorceress who threatens a nearby German town. A dark fairy-tale retelling with comedic and horrific undertones, “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” is guaranteed to be one of the bloodiest adventures of the winter season.

Email Torrelio at storrelio@media.ucla.edu.

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