Mystic Pizza (1988)
Director: Donald Petrie
Watched: April 2018
Rating: 4/5 stars
[Clue: An individual claiming to have supernatural powers or Where you can find a quaint Slice of Heaven]
Might you be wondering why this romantic comedy rises above the rest (pizza making pun intended)?
Young girls coming of age with all around commendable performances (pre-Hollywood Julia Roberts & did you spot Matt Damon?),
Scenes that make you laugh, cry, or sing along (“The Fireside Gourmet”, Kat’s first introduction to the pain of love, Aretha’s “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”),
Their stories feels genuine, without using sex or violence for cheap entertainment (Kat’s love for astronomy, Jojo’s cold feet, the Arujos’ sibling rivalry, Charles’s insecurities with law school and wealthy family),
Inventive situational or character comedy rather than the typical sophomoric or slapstick kind (“I fucked up,” “… but you gave it a 100% effort!”; “What the hell do you think Leona really puts in that pizza?”),
Community easy to fall in love with (Who wouldn’t want to live in a town charmingly named Mystic, Connecticut?)