Pizza Movie is serving up a cheesy delight just in time for 420. This new film streaming on Disney+ and Hulu follows two college students who, after indulging in some questionable substances, embark on a surreal adventure to retrieve their pizza delivery, which turns a simple task into a wild escapade.
The film’s over-the-top humor is expected, though the laughs are largely earned rather than forced. While it may seem like the storyline revolves around the antics of vengeful frat boys targeting hapless students, the narrative does show some improvement as it unfolds.
After a brief moment of clarity, Jack (Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things) and Montgomery (Sean Giambrone) discover they’ve ingested a concoction from a chemistry student’s DIY experiment. To escape the chaotic effects of the substance, they must retrieve their pizza, which is conveniently located just two flights of stairs down, delivered by a robot.
As they navigate the six phases of their hallucinogenic experience, they encounter a series of challenges, including confrontations with strict resident assistants, a mismatched romantic interest, and their former friend Lizzy (Lulu Wilson). Their quest quickly becomes as chaotic as the pizza itself.
Written and directed by Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney, the film leans heavily into slapstick humor, featuring archetypal characters like the bullied loser, the romantic fool, and the wannabe popular girl. While these character types may feel familiar, the film’s absurdity, including puppet hands and chainsaw antics, provides the entertainment that audiences expect.
Matarazzo’s comedic timing helps to offset Jack’s more obnoxious traits, while Giambrone’s quirkiness, especially his obsession with his pet butterfly Lysander (voiced by Daniel Radcliffe), adds a layer of charm that elevates the film from standard fare to something more engaging.
The film’s character dynamics are predictable, but the addition of drug-fueled chaos transforms them into an entertaining spectacle.
Pizza Party
With the munchies already kicking in, the Near Southside is primed for a pizza extravaganza. Numerous artisanal Neapolitan-style pizzerias along Magnolia Avenue, alongside dependable local chains near the Medical District, are ready to satisfy those cravings.
Cane Rosso (815 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, 817-922-9222) is renowned for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas featuring chewy, charred crusts and inventive toppings such as bacon marmalade. Their April special, the Garden Party ($19), features mozzarella and garlic Alfredo sauce topped with asparagus, heirloom tomatoes, lemon zest, Thai basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Delivery is available via DoorDash.
Located in the former Funky Picnic space, FELINA (401 Bryan Ave, Ste 117, Fort Worth, 469-507-8626) is the latest venture from the Bocca Osteria-Romana brothers. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., they specialize in Roman-style pizza with a thin, crisp crust. Reservations can be made through Tock for both dine-in and takeout options.
i Fratelli Pizza (1907 8th Ave, Fort Worth, 817-927-7779) is known for its “cracker-style” crust and speedy delivery, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings. Just be sure to find your way to the door for pickup.
When Pie Tap Pizza (1301 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, 682-707-8888) first debuted, it received praise for its gluten-friendly crust and excellent service. If you prefer a crunchy thin-crust pizza, this spot promises to deliver.
Although there is no direct delivery, the Nappotex food truck, located on the patio of The Holly (305 W Daggett Ave, Ste 101, Fort Worth, 817-936-1679), offers dine-in, takeout, and curbside pickup. Their artisan, Neapolitan-style pizzas include popular selections like Burrata Prosciutto and Pepperoni Lover. Enjoy delightful wine and pizza pairings available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Lastly, the eagerly awaited pizza kitchen at Southside Cellar (125 S Main St, Fort Worth, 682-703-2184) is now operational. Having honed its skills through a series of pop-up events, this establishment offers hand-stretched pizzas crafted from fermented dough and high-quality ingredients—a culinary experience worth returning for.
With its April special, the Garden Party, Cane Rosso continues to impress with its innovative toppings and quality ingredients.
