In the unpredictable whirlwind that is “Pizza Movie,” audiences are invited to experience a chaotic blend of comedy and slapstick as Gaten Matarazzo, best known from “Stranger Things,” takes center stage in a goofy bad-trip adventure. This exuberant film, spearheaded by Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, embraces its absurdity with a nod to classic stoner comedies, offering a mishmash of humor and mayhem. In this review, we’ll explore how “Pizza Movie” captures the essence of teenage antics and comedic madness.
Navigating the Nonsense
Upon encountering “Pizza Movie,” the seemingly simplistic title is just the beginning of its wacky journey. Directors McElhaney and Kocher cleverly acknowledge the title’s silliness, humorously breaking the fourth wall to emphasize the film’s intentionally chaotic and slapdash nature. Inspired by stoner films like “Dude, Where’s My Car?,” this comedy presents an era-appropriate spin for the current youthful audience.
A Naive Adventure
The film’s unique twist on the stoner genre aligns with its aim to cater to a generation that’s more cautious. Here, accidental misadventures arise from unwittingly consuming mysterious pills, sparking a jaw-dropping quest to retrieve the pizza that will hopefully bring everything back to normal. This accidental escapade cleverly offsets the film’s zaniness with a more innocent undertone.
Unlikely Heroes
Gaten Matarazzo shines as Jack, a character distinctly different from his “Stranger Things” persona, alongside Sean Giambrone as Montgomery. These two embody a duo whose misfit kinship fuels the film’s energy. Their dynamic is one of the standout features, with Matarazzo’s enthusiastic performance signaling his potential beyond the young adult sphere.
The plot centers on them navigating college life as awkward roommates up against the typical social challenges, complete with bullying jocks and shifting friendships. Their unusual night begins when they stumble upon a stash of unusual pills, belonging to a quirky former roommate played by Sarah Sherman.
Madcap Comedy Meets Absurdity
The comedic exploration unfolds through unpredictable scenarios, including body swaps, exploding heads, and even a time-loop sequence reminiscent of “Groundhog Day.” The relentless pace means each gag seamlessly transitions into the next, whether encountering a talking butterfly voiced by Daniel Radcliffe or dealing with an unexpected musical number. This hasty progression ensures there’s rarely a dull moment, despite its occasional inconsistencies.
While the plot attempts to connect these scattered scenes, the real joy lies in its disordered hilarity — from thwarting a dorm-wide eviction to flirting with romantic tension, only to humorously toss it aside. As a tribute to the delights of quiet nights in, “Pizza Movie” doesn’t take itself seriously, burning brightly and briefly in its comedic chaos.
Through McElhaney and Kocher’s debut feature, the film solidifies its identity as a collection of sketches, testing boundaries yet staying true to its roots in short-form comedy. With Matarazzo and Giambrone leading the charge, the movie might just hint at a comedic partnership worth exploring in future endeavors.
