Pizza Movie Review: A Time-Traveling Stoner College Comedy
I recently had the pleasure of watching Pizza Movie, a new indie film that made its debut at the SXSW festival. As a fan of stoner comedies, I was immediately drawn to the premise of a time-traveling, mind-bending adventure centered around a simple pizza run. The movie follows the journey of two college roommates, Montgomery and Jack, who, after taking an experimental drug, find themselves on a chaotic and surreal odyssey through their dorm and beyond.
What makes Pizza Movie particularly fascinating is its ability to blend the classic stoner comedy genre with modern, Gen Z humor. The film is a wild ride, filled with hallucinations, body-swapping, and time travel, all of which are masterfully woven into a story about friendship and self-discovery. The use of drugs as a narrative device is a clever twist, adding an extra layer of absurdity and humor to the plot.
One of the standout performances in the film is from Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Jack. Matarazzo brings a natural charm and charisma to the role, making Jack a relatable and lovable character. His chemistry with Sean Giambrone, who plays Montgomery, is electric, and their dynamic drives much of the movie's humor. The supporting cast, including Lulu Wilson and Peyton Elizabeth Lee, also deliver strong performances, adding depth and complexity to the story.
The film's strength lies in its ability to balance the absurdity of the drug-induced hallucinations with the more grounded, emotional moments. The audience is treated to a variety of surreal and hilarious scenes, from the pink octopus to the Venezuelan James Bond, all while the characters grapple with their personal struggles and insecurities. The plot involving the resident advisors, led by Blake, is a particularly clever and unexpected twist, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
However, I must admit that Pizza Movie is not without its flaws. The film's uneven tone and lack of overall structure can make it feel a bit disjointed at times. Some of the moments are underdeveloped or wasted, and the film could have benefited from a tighter edit. Despite this, the movie is still a lot of fun and is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
In my opinion, Pizza Movie is a refreshing take on the stoner comedy genre, offering a unique blend of humor, surrealism, and emotional depth. It is a movie that is best enjoyed with a pizza and your mind-altering substance of choice, as the film's title suggests. While it may not be a masterpiece, it is a fun and entertaining ride that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Pizza Movie premieres on Hulu on April 3rd, and I highly recommend giving it a watch. It is a movie that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre and is a testament to the creativity and talent of its filmmakers. So, if you're in the mood for a wild and surreal adventure, Pizza Movie is the perfect choice for you.
