‘Christmas’ time; Joss’ blog-sical

These are troubled economic times, but take pride and comfort in talking about: “A Christmas Story.”

The Aero Theatre is screening Jean Shepherd’s yuletide classic about a family in 1940s northern Indiana this week, and really, is there anything more American during the holidays than getting your tongue stuck frozen to a flagpole, a leg lamp and feasting on “Chinese turkey”? (Wednesday)

This list has talked a lot about: “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.”

But only because it’s worth talking a lot about. Should you be shameful enough not to have already watched Joss Whedon’s online musical extravaganza, Amazon.com is offering the entire three-episode adventure of Dr. Horrible, his nemesis Captain Hammer and their lady love Penny on DVD for ten bucks. (Note to people I know: It’d make a great Christmas gift.) (Tuesday)

Even if you don’t get Mickey Rourke, talk about “The Wrestler.”

Because, unlike Britney, Rourke’s working hard for his comeback, playing has-been wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson in the Darren Aronofsky film. Also, the movie’s just plain good. (Wednesday)

My friend Todd, who knows a lot more about music than I do, swears we should talk about: “Folie A Deux.”

Forget that Fall Out Boy lead singer Pete Wentz named his son Mowgli. Todd says the band’s new album, which in English translates to “a madness shared by two,” is a score for fans of “Midwestern power pop.” Stand-out track, “She’s My Winona,” is a whiz-bang, sugar-coated, power-pop run-down and this apparently is a good thing. (Tuesday)

Anyone figured out enough to talk about: “Seven Pounds”?

The trailers for the Will Smith drama are intriguing enough: A determined man goes around trying to do things for a group of random, unrelated people for reasons unknown. Early word warns to avoid all spoilers and bring plenty of tissue. (Friday)

And so winds down another season of talking about: “The Hills.” But with Lauren and Audrina blogging up a storm and Spencer and Heidi setting up daily photo ops with the paparazzi, the show is never far away. (Monday)

-- Denise Martin