Today's line-up of new DVD releases is a little more trim than normal, it's only because we took all the good stuff.

As usual Dr. Videoport Jones, an export in all matters cinematic, is on hand to make sense of things.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Videoport Jones: "After a truly limp attempt at mainstream success ('Jersey Girl,' described by Smith himself as 'my own "Raising Helen"') and a substandard attempt to run screaming back to the safety of his Askewniverse ('Clerks 2'), Kevin Smith decided to cull some alums of Apatow Comedy University (Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Gerry Bednob) to fold into his new film alongside Smith-ies like Jason Mewes (not playing Jay), Smith's wife, and Jeff Anderson and the results are actually relatively tasty. Aiming for a mix of raunch and heart in the delicious proportions of 'Chasing Amy' (still Smith's best film), big Kev benefits greatly from the addition of the Apatownies: Rogen and Banks bring their natural charisma and improv-y timing to loosen up Smith's often overwritten dialogue, and the whole production has a nice, loosey-goosey, grungy charm. And, if you're all aghast at the word 'porno' in the title, then just don't rent it, please; leave Kevin Smith to the arrested adolescents - we like him."

Justin: "I do like him. I really do. I loved this movie, and as much was made about the title and some of the more graphic points in this movie, it was (and I can't believe I'm saying this) sweet. Sweet in a 'charming-wins-you-over-unexpectedly' kind of way. In some ways this film really reminded me of 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' as it was in the tradition of romantic comedies, but really from more of a guy's perspective. The fact of the matter is big Kev could cobble together a 10 minute infomercial with his cast of regulars and I would probably laugh, but this film is really a stand out, and I think you're right to put it on par with 'Chasing Amy,' a film I think even most View Askew fans may not like. A lot of heart, lots and lots of laughs, and an untouchable comedic cast topped off by Banks and Rogen (with points to Robinson, Anderson and the always hilarious Justin Long). For the people who don't give Kevin Smith credit because of his (self-confessed) penchant for dick and fart jokes, you're really missing out. As immature as some may say it is, his films (like 'Porno') are extremely relatable."

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist

VPJ: "Our second grubby little indie couple of the week, this one stars up-and-coming indie darlin's Michael Cera ('Arrested Development,' 'Juno') and Kat Dennings ('The 40 Year Old Virgin,' 'Charlie Bartlett') as a couple of nice kids out for one of those alternately wacky and touchingly sad nights on the town that make up many a teen comedy. This one looks intriguing, what with the indie cred of the very appealing stars and the good reviews from all the right people. In case you haven't figured it out, I haven't seen it yet. Rather a hectic week. Plus I keep getting slightly turned off by the word 'playlist' in the title; it's something to do with the intra-webs, right?"

JE: "It's something the kids say these days, what with their iPods and whatnot. File this under another case of 'came and went fast' for me. While part of me was a little leery of this film because it had the markings of 'teen movie-itis,' I could not ignore the draw of Michael Cera. The guy is comedy gold no matter what you put him in. So combine that with the talented Ms. Denning and a crazy scheme that involves good music, fast love and booze and you've at least piqued my interest. I'll say it's a solid renter."

The Secret Life of Bees

VPJ: "Little Dakota Fanning is mentored, and wised up, and all-around snuggled to bits by a bevy of acclaimed black actresses (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keyes, Jennifer Hudson) in this heart-warmin', mom-pleasin', sun-drenched, peach-scented, bumblebee-buzzin' coming-of-age tale. I've heard my mom, and moms across the land, talk warmly of it, therefore I shall leave all reviews thereof to them and their ilk."

JE: "Uh...wow. This is squarely in uncharted territory for me so I want to tread carefully. This...is...a nice movie? A heartwarming tale of...lady stuff? Yeah, I got nothin."

Bottle Shock

VPJ: "Alan Rickman heads up a varied cast (Eliza Dushku, Bradley Whitford, Bill Pullman, Freddy Rodriguez) in this comedy/drama about the mid-seventies birth of the California wine industry. As more of a PBR man myself, unable to tell a cabernet from an odelay, I can't say that the subject is overly compelling, but then again, the same could be true of 'Sideways' which I really liked, so the cast, and the occasional labels of 'Altmanesque' which I keep picking up on the intra-nets, might cause me to pop this one in sometime. Plus, I can't think of any casting more perfect than of Alan Rickman as a wine snob."

JE: "You may be on to something. I really didn't get on the 'Sideways' wagon until well after the movie, and even then it was someone lending me the book that amped up my interest. Also, Paul Giamatti. This one has more than a few of my favorite actors - Rickman, Whitford and Pullman (that sounds like a law firm) - so we may be looking at a similar scenario. But this does make me wonder, how come no one's done a movie like this on beer? Isn't it time craft beers got the cinematic treatment? 'Geary's: The Movie.' Who wouldn't watch that?"

And finally, a few recommendations from Jonesy: "Videoport brings you four new-to-DVD episodes of''Mystery Science Theater 3000.' On the Joel side, we've got the early eps 'Mad Monster' and 'Manhunt in Space,' and for all the Mike-o-philes, there's the later 'Final Justice' (with Joe Don Baker!), and the classic 'Soultaker' (featuring the only on-screen meeting of the two hosts on the Satellite of Love)!"

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