MoviesOwen Wilson, as you may have heard, had a rather highly publicized brawl with some personal demons not long ago. Thankfully, he’s all right, and he came out realizing how many people like him and his work. This week he’s back as “Drillbit Taylor,” another product from the Judd Apatow comedy factory. Directed by Steven Brill, it’s about two high-school freshmen who are menaced on the first day of school by a bully. So they go out and hire Wilson to protect them, thinking he’s some kind of soldier-of-fortune, super-ninja bodyguard. Of course, he’s too goofy to be that, and laughs ensue. It’s good to see Wilson back fighting against comical foes rather than personal ones. (Paramount Pictures, opens Friday)
Television
At this time of year, there are usually many reports that suggest productivity in the workplace declines significantly when March Madness begins. I don’t see it that way. If employees are seated at their desks reading about the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on their computers, hey, at least they’re seated at their desks. They could be outside having a smoke, or in the bathroom reading the newspaper, or even cutting out to the local tavern for liquid refreshment. Instead, when coverage begins this week, those dutiful employee and millions like them will be anchored where they should be. Oh sure, the workers in question might be obsessing over their brackets rather than perusing sales reports, but did you ever stop to think that maybe it would be a good idea if the boss presented the sales reports in the form of a bracket? Huh? Am I the only one thinking around here? (CBS, first round on Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Music
OK, so St. Patrick’s Day is Monday and “Celtic Thunder” comes out on Tuesday. Big whoop. If you’re Irish, or if you simply identify with all things Irish, then your love of the Irish should extend well past March 17, especially if you have a hangover from downing too much green beer and doing shots of Jameson. Producer Sharon Browne had a hit with “Celtic Woman,” and now she and collaborator Phil Coulter follow it up with “Celtic Thunder,” a showcase disc that features the vocal stylings of five male singers ranging in age from 14 to 40. This is the Thunder’s debut album, and it includes a mix of traditional songs, originals and international hits. Some of the more notable numbers include “Ireland’s Call,” “The Mountains of Mourne” and “Come By The Hills.” This will help you keep your Irish on well past Monday. (Decca)
DVD
“Atonement” is not about what Silda Spitzer is seeking from hubby Eliot, but it’s close. There are two people entangled in a complicated romance, and something bad happens that spins it out of control. The film — starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy — grabbed seven Academy Award nominations, including one for best picture. Based on a novel by Ian McEwan, “Atonement” is out this week on DVD with a small flurry of extras, including commentary by director Joe Wright, deleted scenes and two solid making-of featurettes. If they ever make “Atonement II,” I know a couple in New York whose story might make a juicy adaptation. Until then, this one’s scandalous enough to keep audiences riveted during Spitzer lulls. (Universal Studios Home Entertainment)
Books
I can never get enough of the Beatles. I’ll watch the “Beatles Anthology” over and over. Ditto for “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help!” And then there is the vast song library, which I’ve worn out, even in digital format. Now comes a new book about John Lennon with a bunch of old photos. “Instamatic Karma” was put together by May Pang, with whom John spent about 18 months when he temporarily left Yoko Ono, a period he called his “lost weekend.” In Pang’s book, however, it’s clear Lennon was both productive and happy during much of that time. There is one particularly poignant photo of John signing the document that would dissolve the Beatles’ partnership; he was the last one to sign, and the wistful look on his face is moving, since he was the one who essentially formed the band in the first place. “Instamatic Karma” is more Beatle, not more Beatles, but it brings back enough memories to cover all four and a lot more. (St. Martin’s Press)