And the winner for awards show overload is …

What you'll get used to talking about: Hollywood celebrates Hollywood. The dawning of a new year means awards season 2007 is about to get into full swing. This week, prepare to discuss Queen Latifah hosting the 33rd annual People's Choice Awards, the Directors Guild of America Awards nominations, the Writers Guild Awards film nominations, the Critics Choice Awards and the BAFTA awards nominations (Britain's Oscars).





What you should be talking about: "Idiocracy." Mike Judge's vicious and hilarious attack on America (arguably as funny as anything Sacha Baron Cohen has done) got no ad campaign, little media attention and scant play in theaters. But if ever there was a movie primed to become a cult classic, this is it. The film comes out on DVD this week. Consider yourself warned. (Tuesday) See story Page E17





What you won't believe you are talking about: Another reality television show. This one is called "Armed & Famous" and follows five sort-of celebrities including Jack Osbourne and La Toya Jackson as they get trained by and sworn into the Muncie, Ind., police force. That means learning hand-to-hand combat, carrying firearms and a very special episode when each sort-of celeb gets shocked by a Taser. (Series premieres Wednesday)





What you still won't believe you are talking about: More reality TV. Americans have watched fashion designers, chefs, aspiring models and singers compete to be called first in their field. So why has it taken so long for somebody to train their reality cameras on Broadway actors? At last we have "Grease: You're the One That I Want" — in which viewers get to choose the two leads for a new Broadway production of "Grease." (Tonight)





And if all else fails, what might be fun to talk to Netflix about: "Crank." Jason Statham and Amy Smart star in this clever little film, coming out on DVD this week, about a hit man who gets injected with a poison that will kill him if he doesn't keep moving. There's nothing like an action film built around a guy who needs to continually risk his life to stay alive. (Tuesday)

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— DEBORAH NETBURN