A holiday heads-up for screens big and small

You will talk about: What movie to see Christmas Day. If the lines at the multiplex in past years are any indication, you and a gazillion other people will all have the same brilliant holiday escape plan. So what to see? “Sweeney Todd” seems too violent. “P.S. I Love You”? Too mushy. “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”? Too dirty. So we think your best bet is “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” We weirdly loved the first one! (Tuesday)

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You could instead talk about: What to watch on TV on Christmas Day. As a Jewish woman, I’m not totally clear on the protocol, but if you want to flick on the TV while simultaneously staying festive, you might talk about watching TV Land’s “8th Annual Merry-thon,” which includes Christmas specials from sitcoms past. (Monday-Tuesday)

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Don’t bother talking about: “American Pie Presents: Beta House.” The straight-to-DVD continuation of the “American Pie” series has us scratching our heads. Is this: (a) one of those things that was interesting, then tired, then, in its continuation straight through the tired phase, interesting once again? Or is it: (b) just the most depressing thing in the world that Eugene Levy continues to be involved? (Tuesday)

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You’ll probably talk about: “There Will Be Blood.” Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest movie comes out this week, but somehow everyone we know has already seen it. (Admittedly, we know a lot of TV writers with a lot of time on their hands.) Our podmates loved it, but we’ve heard from usually trustworthy friends that it’s boring. (Wednesday)

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You might consider talking about: The “Heroes” novel. All you really need to know is that unless this show tanks very hard (possible), “Heroes: Saving Charlie” is just the beginning of what may become a very long and profitable book series. (Wednesday)

-- Deborah Netburn