SMART LIST : ‘Sunny’ capers for Christmas
Christmas is around the corner, so talk up: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas”
This DVD is pricey, just a few bucks short of an entire season, but just think of the number of years you’ll be able to ring in the holidays with the FX gang’s special, seasonal adventure in stolen toys, childhood videos, naked elves and a bloody run-in with Santa Claus. You can’t put a price on that kind of Yuletide spirit. (Tuesday)
--
“Top Chef,” it’s not. Decide for yourself if you want to talk about: “Chef Academy”
Bravo’s given very French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli his own reality series in which he’ll take amateur chefs -- from the heavily made-up home cook to working sous chefs -- and train them using his own do-or-die methods. Screw up enough times and you’re eliminated from his school. The show’s first episode is way more “Hell’s Kitchen” than “Top Chef,” so if “tough love” is your thing, by all means, tune in. (Monday)
--
You could talk about self-worshiping John Mayer, or you could talk about: Cutie pie “American Idol” Kris Allen. Both are releasing albums this week. If you are looking for McSoulful crooning, Mayer is your pre-packaged tugger of heartstrings. If you want something more adventurous, new and not yet full of itself, definitely go with Allen. (Tuesday)
--
Can’t make up my mind whether to talk about: “The Blind Side.”
If I’m being honest, the trailer for what appears to be a sappy sports story starring Sandra Bullock as a well-to-do suburban mom who forms an unlikely friendship with a struggling teen from a broken home made me laugh. I thought it was a spoof! But Disney seems confident and early word pegs it as a sentimental winner on the order of “Remember the Titans.” I’ve even heard the words “Sandra Bullock” and “Golden Globe award” tossed about in the same sentence. Hmm. . . . (Friday)
--
Oh, yeah, I guess some of you will talk about: “New Moon.”
I’ve seen the goods, and “Twilight” fans be warned: If you’re not firmly on Team Jacob by the time the movie ends, something is wrong with you. Taylor Lautner trumps Robert Pattinson, period. (Friday)
-- Denise Martin