Young actors often get stuck playing the same kinds of roles, but Gaten Matarazzo, popularly known as Dustin Henderson from the show “Stranger Things” and Sean Giambrone, known as Adam Goldberg from “The Goldbergs,” show in Pizza Movie that they won’t just settle for being typecast.
The plot is simple but unique: three college students take a mystery drug they find in their dorm room, and the hallucinations caused by the drug can only be stopped by eating pizza. This creative comedy from Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney is questionable, awkward and super weird. However, it takes chances and gives the actors a chance to stretch in ways their usual roles don’t.
Matarazzo and Giambrone bring a natural chemistry to the screen, helping elevate the film’s random humor with their reactions and timing. They sell the ridiculous moments completely, which allows a good part of the comedy to land without much question. For example, during one of the phases where they can’t swear or their heads will explode, the way that they portray not only the hardships of trying not to swear out of stress in their situation, but also how the characters go along with it, you can tell they’re having fun with the material and committing to it, and that energy carries the film.
Another interesting young actor who appears in the movie is Lulu Wilson, known for her roles in popular horror movies “Annabelle: Creation” and “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” as well as the popular sci-fi film from director Steven Spielberg “Ready Player One.”
While often in movies where the main duo are boys, the third female character is used as a love interest and simple comedic relief. “Pizza Movie” does this, but very differently. Wilson’s character is integral to the plot and, while they use humor to portray her experience, her character is given depth and a purpose. She’s not just along for the ride or there to help out the boys, she’s just as, if not more, determined as they are.
While these young actors are the film’s most valuable asset, some moments intended to be comedic throughout are questionable. Some of the jokes can come off as a little childish, especially in a movie intended for young adults. While a lot of it’s intended to be weird and “random”, not all of it lands. The f-bomb also got dropped more often than not throughout, which caused some viewers to question if maybe the writers forgot that there are other swear words that exist.
While some of the comedy ran dry near the end, the creative staging, set ups and sharp editing bring justice to the movie. It’s a messy, yet entertaining, ride that shows a new side of all of the young actors involved. “Pizza Movie” is unapologetically weird, different and crazy. But it works.
