‘Hacksaw Ridge’ and other movies opening this weekend in Columbia

“HACKSAW RIDGE” (R): Mel Gibson’s first outing as a director since 2006’s “Apocalypto” tells the true story of an American soldier (Andrew Garfield) who saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun during one of World War II’s bloodiest battles – emphasis on the bloody.

“DOCTOR STRANGE” (PG-13): The Marvel Comics Universe takes a step into fantasy with this first installment in the adventures of the Greenwich Village neurosurgeon (Benedict Cumberbatch) who defends our realm from otherworldly evil. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Tilda Swinton co-star for director Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “Deliver Us from Evil”).

TROLLS (PG): After a forest tribe of cotton-candy-colored, shock-headed trolls discover that they’re the new favorite gourmet treat for King Gristle (John Cleese), the unlikely duo of bubbly Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and worrywart Branch (Justin Timberlake) must rescue their friends from the royals’ chef.

Miami Herald, Fandango

ROOFTOP RHYTHMS: 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Richland Mall. The latest installment of this rooftop concert series will feature Mother’s Finest. There will be activities for the kids, along with food from Forest Acres restaurants. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free parking, admission. 3400 Forest Drive. www.forestacres.net/rooftop-rhythms

NAVAJO POETS: 5:30 p.m., with poetry panel at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4 at McKissick Museum. Laura Tohe and Rex Lee Jim, two Diné, or Navajo, poets will be at the University of South Carolina in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. The two will be joined by Anthony Webster, author of “Intimate Grammars: An Ethnography of Navajo Poetry.” Tohe and Jim will read some of their poetry, while Webster will discuss how language influences social life. Free. 816 Bull St. http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/mckissickmuseum/mckissick-museum

MAGIC WORKSHOP WITH JOHN TUDOR: 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Columbia Children’s Theatre. Tudor’s Magic Workshop is back by popular demand with this interactive, hands-on class for children ages 6 and up. John begins with a magic performance, then teaches simple illusions requiring a process of creation and imagination. All special materials will be provided. Adults are welcome to stay and watch, but are not required to. $20; register at www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com.