Rog's Movie Viewpoint

When the Emperor of China (Jet Li) is threatened by Northern invaders, a decree is issued that one man per family must join the Imperial Army to defend the country. Courageous Mulan (Yifei Liu), eldest daughter of ailing honored warrior Zhou (Tzi Ma), disguises herself as a man and joins the army in his place. It will test her spirit and determination to help defeat the ruthless forces of Böri Khan (Jason Scott Lee), out to avenge his father's death, and his ally - the powerful witch Xianniang (Gong Li).  This entertaining epic adventure is visually stunning. Yet another Disney animated feature gets the live-action treatment and the result is one of their best efforts in recent years. Director Niki Caro ("Whale Rider") masterfully guides a huge international, primarily Asian, cast through this grand saga. Yifei Liu is magnificent as the beautiful and fearless heroine. Besides the supporting players mentioned above, Rosalind Chao and Xana Tang portray Mulan's mother an

On stage, David Copperfield (Dev Patel) recounts his life from birth to aspirations of becoming a writer. His carefree countryside youth with his widowed mother Clara (Morfydd Clark) changes after she marries the cruel Mr. Murdstone (Darren Boyd). The new stepfather beats him and eventually sends the boy to work in his London bottle factory. Bad working conditions and news of his mother's death send the young Copperfield escaping back to the country. Living with his wealthy Aunt Betsey (Tilda Swinton) and eccentric distant relative Mr. Dick (Hugh Laurie), life improves. But there are many ups and downs before his dream can be realized. Charles Dickens' novel gets a refreshing cinematic revamp in this lively period piece. Director/writer Armando Iannucci ("The Death of Stalin" and TV documentary "Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens"), with screenplay help from Simon Blackwell, manages to satisfyingly condense the lengthy book. The essence of Copperfield rem

Ivan (the voice of Sam Rockwell), a silverback gorilla, is the main attraction at the Big Top Mall. With a circus-like atmosphere, owner Mack (Bryan Cranston) and his small menagerie of animals entertain a shrinking audience. Looking to boost crowds and stay open, Mack buys baby elephant Ruby (voiced by Brooklynn Prince). Now out of the spotlight, Ivan ponders his past and future. Among those helping him through this new phase of life are aging elephant Stella (the voice of Angelina Jolie), Bob the dog (voiced by Danny DeVito) and Julia (Ariana Greenblatt), the young daughter of mall employee George (Ramon Rodriguez). CGI talking animals, a cute kid, and ringmaster Bryan Cranston keep things moving along in this entertaining diversion. Based on Katherine Applegate's novel of the same name, the story is a fantasy version of real-life gorilla Ivan - who gained fame for his paintings. Director Thea Sharrock ("Me Before You"), working from Mike White's (who also provides

Raising three children in Louisiana, widow Miranda Wells (Katie Holmes) struggles to make ends meet while dating her boss/boyfriend Tucker (Jerry O'Connell). A destructive storm brings new problems and helpful stranger Bray (Josh Lucas) into her life. Things begin to change for the better, but the new arrival with his positive attitude has a secret that could change everything. This inspirational family drama is engaging - even without action and violence. Based on, or more inspired by, Rhonda Byrne's 2006 bestselling self-help book "The Secret", the feel-good film is

Navy veteran Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks) is assigned a mission as first-time captain of a destroyer, code-named Greyhound, to protect a convoy of 37 supply ships across the North Atlantic during the United States' early involvement in WWII. With only three escort ships and no air cover, the leader and his crew must navigate through a dangerous stretch of ocean known as "The Black Pit", where they encounter a group of Nazi U-boats. Survival depends on the outcome of the battle against the determined German submarines. Tense action and the formidable Tom Hanks steer this compact thriller. Inspired by events that took place during the Battle of the Atlantic, Mr. Hanks'

During the Afghan War in 2009, a small group of U.S. soldiers defended an outpost in a valley surrounded by three mountains in Afghanistan. As the Army neared closing the military post, a large force of Taliban fighters made a final attack. First Lt. Benjamin Keating (Orlando Bloom), Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha (Scott Eastwood) and the rest of Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV gallantly battled the enemy in the deadly confrontation - becoming one of the 19-year conflict's most decorated units. This powerful war film is an emotional and gripping experience. Based on the 2012 book "The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor" by CNN's Jake Tapper, the true story of the Battle of Kamdesh gets a

In his mid-20s, Scott Carlin (Pete Davidson) is still having trouble coming to grips with the tragic death of his firefighter father when he was seven. He's living with his ER nurse mother Margie (Marisa Tomei) and younger sister Claire (Maude Apatow), who's about to leave home for college. Scott has aspirations of becoming a tattoo artist and opening the first tattoo restaurant, but is content with taking drugs with buddies Oscar (Ricky Velez), Igor (Moises Arias), Richie (Lou Wilson) and a relationship with childhood friend Kelsey (Bel Powley). When his mother gets a boyfriend, firefighter Ray (Bill Burr), trouble ensues. Scott can't stand mom's new love interest. Told to move out, he is forced to re-evaluate his life. SNL's Pete Davidson is a commanding presence in this appealing comedy/drama. He may be playing himself, but

Antiques dealer Artemis Fowl I (Colin Farrell) and his family are reputed to be criminal masterminds. When his father is kidnapped, brilliant 12-year-old Artemis Fowl II (Ferdia Shaw) is determined to get him back. He must take on the underground world of fairies, who are suspected of the kidnapping. The ransom is the missing Aculos, a powerful and magical device that the fairies desperately want returned. The young Fowl sets a plan in motion that leads to a dangerous confrontation. Fast-paced action and striking effects fill this colorful fantasy adventure. Kenneth Branagh directs the

In the small town of Cayuga, New Mexico during one night in the late 1950s, radio DJ Everett (Jake Horowitz) and switchboard operator Fay (Sierra McCormick) hear a strange audio signal while both are at work. The two friends are compelled to solve the mystery of the weird sound. After Everett broadcasts the signal, calls from a couple of listeners shed some light that could lead to the solution. The sci-fi genre gets a boost from this fresh mystery. Director Andrew Patterson, with a script by producer James Montague and Craig W. Sanger, impresses in

Maggie (Dakota Johnson) is kept busy as personal assistant to superstar Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), but she desperately wants to become a music producer. After a chance meeting with talented musician David Cliff (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.), Maggie has hopes of fulfilling her dreams while finding romance. Obstacles get in the way, including her steady job and Grace's manager Jack Robertson (Ice Cube). Solid performances and great music give this appealing diversion a big lift. While the story may seem familiar, director Nisha Ganatra ("Late Night") and writer Flora Greeson have fashioned a