New movies to be released this week on DVD

(All DVDs released Tuesday, except where noted)

Bottle Shock (2008) **½ I found myself in a tug-of-war between enjoying this film as entertaining fluff, and thinking that there might be a more serious, gritty, complicated story lurking behind the grab-ass soap opera.

Everybody Wants To Be Italian (2008) * So awash in tired ethnic clichés that the story drowns.

Hounddog (2008) * An indigestible gumbo of Southern Gothic ingredients seasoned with snake oil, biblical hash and thoroughly unpalatable spice.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) **½ Young children will enjoy this piece of sweet cartoon candy. (DVD will be released Friday)

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008) *** Let’s call this "High Fidelity Nano." It’s a little bit less in every way, lighter and cuter than its archetypal elder, but it might just fit your present lifestyle all the better. Who needs to go back to the polysyllabic spree of John Cusack channeling Nick Hornby when you have Michael Cera making awkward emo look so lovable?

The Secret Life of Bees (2008) **½ Hampered by over-earnestness and tugs too intently at the heartstrings.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) **½ Crude, hilarious, if a little corny, writer/director Kevin Smith’s latest hardcore comedy is right on the money shot.