We entered this interview with the agreement that Theodore Bikel would be in the character of Tevye, who is now 250 years old. Tevye is the simple 'Everyman,' this multi-hyphenate folksinger, actor and peace activist made famous in the Broadway musical, "Fiddler on the Roof."

His acting career is percolating nicely -- featured role on a hit sitcom, parts in Oscar-winning films such as Argo and respected series such as The Newsroom -- but Chris Messina couldn't pass up the opportunity to direct a film of his own.

By not overdoing a southern accent while also reportedly voluntarily putting on some weight for the role, actor David Oyelowo shines in this film. And he's not the only one. They all shine.

Mr. Turner, directed by Mike Leigh, is by no means a coherent biography, but a gorgeous riveting film that presents brief, often unconnected excerpts from the latter years of the great British painter William Turner.

As a director Jon Stewart's persona is a far cry from that of the television host. Instead of treating Bahari's story as a comic strip or subject of satire (in the way Argo partially did in its tale of a notorious escape from Iran), Stewart tackles his subject with deadly seriousness.

Movies do not have to be political in order to be successful. Film as sheer entertainment can matter.