Woody, ‘bots and Bullock

Talk about a winning combo in: “Whatever Works”

Woody Allen directs Larry David in a movie about a near Nobel Prize winner and world-class grouch who wreaks terror on the small children who study chess with him. Need I say more? (Friday)

--

We could talk about: “The Proposal”

It’s not as though there are any other romantic comedies vying for box office right now, so why not a May-December one about a high-powered book editor (Sandra Bullock) who forces her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she won’t be deported back to the barren wasteland that is . . . Canada. Yeah. But. Well. OK, Reynolds was enjoyable in “Just Friends,” so who’s to say he didn’t make the most out of this movie, too? (Friday)

--

Should we talk about: “Chess”?

The 1984 ABBA-Tim Rice concept musical about a love triangle set against a world championship chess tournament -- think Bobby Fischer and Viktor Korchnoi duking it out over a dame -- has not exactly been, how shall we say, beloved by theater fans. But last year’s concert version, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, delivered a flashy makeover that included a cast of young stars, including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel and Adam Pascal. Rice, who has long defended his much-maligned show as one of his best, called the 2008 production its “official version.” All right, we’re listening. (Tuesday on CD, DVD)

--

Speaking of 1984, let’s talk about: “Transformers”

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the first season of the original cartoon series is out on DVD. Time to reminisce! Because, somehow, hearing Michael Bay’s live-action Megatron hiss, “You fail me yet again, Starscream,” or Optimus Prime yelling, “Autobots! Roll out!” didn’t do it. Disagree? The sequel to Bay’s 2007 blockbuster comes out June 24.(Tuesday)

--

Talk now, or forever hold your peace, about: “Eli Stone”

The short-lived comedic drama returns Saturday with its final four episodes. When the show about a lawyer with musical visions was canceled in December, producers were given enough notice to wrap up stories, and that means patient “Eli” fans can expect some closure when its monthlong run is up. For now, get ready for a “Red Red Wine” fantasy number, and stay tuned for a series-ending “powerful scene” between Eli and his pop. (Saturday)

-- Denise Martin