Movies
December is the time for shopping, eating, visiting with family and most of all, the release of prestige films for awards consideration. One of the pictures getting a big push in that area is “Atonement,” which has the ideal pedigree: an English period drama, based on a popular 2001 novel by Ian McEwan, which itself was inspired by a Jane Austen story. Directed by Joe Wright, “Atonement” stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy in a tale of misunderstandings, spite and guilt spread out against the backdrop of World War II. It’s the kind of melodrama that satisfies with powerful plot points, and yet retains the dignity of classic British epics. It’s the kind of film you’ll want to fight someone for a parking space outside the mall over. (Focus Features, opens Friday)

Television

Chris Haston / © NBC Universal, Inc. ER -- "300 Patients" Episode 300 -- Pictured: (l-r) Scott Grimes as Dr. Archie Morris, Linda Cardellini as Samantha Taggart -- NBC Photo: Chris Haston

Chances are even if you aren’t a fan of “ER,” you at least have seen bits and pieces of it here and there. There’s a good reason for that: It has been running since the beginning of television, and it has produced a million episodes. All right, so I’m exaggerating, but remember how young George Clooney looked when he was a regular on the show? For that matter, do you remember George Clooney on the show? “ER” will air its 300th episode this week. Among the guest stars on this anniversary show is Peter Fonda, who plays a husband who rushes to the emergency room after he discovers his wife was in a car accident, but he encounters someone quite unexpected from his past. They should have done one with Clooney running into Noah Wyle, but maybe they’re saving that for No. 400. (NBC, Thursday, 10 p.m.)

Music
David Bowie is in a category all by himself. Essentially he’s a rocker, but his varied influences and glittery arrangements have set him apart ever since his Ziggy Stardust days. He’s also one of the more adventurous artists in the business, as his last five albums will confirm. The David Bowie Box is fortunately not a dustbin at the local vintage record shop but rather a new collection of songs and bonus material that were culled mostly from his more recent works, although there is a “Rebel, Rebel” and a cover of the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset” to remind you of the halcyon days. There are also remixes by Trent Reznor, Moby and Air to liven up tracks so a new generation of fans who weren’t around during his ‘70s creative explosion can understand what all the fuss is about. This is primarily for virulent Bowie fanatics, although it shows there is still room on the glam tram for new devotees. (Sony)

DVD
Before global warming wipes out the polar bears and the walruses, it is imperative that Hollywood travels to the arctic to make money off them. Well, that may be a bit cynical, but anytime I see a movie in which the stars are animals, I think the fact that they didn’t have to be paid SAG wages figured in the conception. One of the more enjoyable entries in this growing genre is “Artic Tale,” which tells the story of Nanu, a polar bear cub, and Seela, a walrus pup, as they try to survive the perils of their environment. Queen Latifah does the narration, and it’s a family film that is warm and cuddly even if it takes place in the frozen tundra. Think of it this way: If the world’s governments finally act to reduce emissions and halt the damage to the planet, then more animals like these can have careers. (Paramount Home Entertainment)

Books
When I used to play golf — before I snapped all my clubs over my knee and flung them into the lake — I remember what it was like to address the ball. You stand there, you think to yourself, “O.K., elbow straight. Don’t dip the shoulder too much. Body turn. Keep your eye on the ball. What is that guy looking at? Is he laughing at me? I’m hungry. I wish this were over.” The problem with me, and most golfers, is too much thinking. Speed golfer Christopher Smith, along with Steve Eubanks, feels the same way. That’s why they wrote, “I’ve Got 99 Swing Thoughts but ‘Hit The Ball’ Ain’t One.” It’s the perfect gift for that golf nut in your family who has become a basket case because of way too much self-analysis and second-guessing. Golfers don’t need doubt. They need assurance, which these authors feel can only be achieved by giving the brain a rest and letting the body perform intuitively. Hmmm. Maybe I can still find those clubs and solder them back together. (Crown Publishing)

MORE FROM ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Section Front

Jackson service to include music, sports stars Jackson and mother had unbreakable bond Jacksons plan private event at L.A. cemetery Scoop: Hours of Jackson rehearsal video exists Judge backs Jackson lawyer, friend on estate Jackson’s luxe lifestyle aided by Wall Street   Kal Penn starts job as White House liaison   Rumer Willis to guest-star on ‘90210’   N.Y. congressman blasts Jackson as ‘pervert’ The ‘King of Pop’ is dead, long live the ‘King’ Entertainment Section Front   Add Entertainment headlines to your news reader: