Mystic Pizza - A Movie Review

If you need me I’ll be slaying the best pizza for the rest of my life.

Mystic Pizza came out of the oven and into theaters in 1988. Three teenage girls work in a pizza parlor. Navigating the challenges of young adulthood, Kat, Daisy, and Jojo search for their own paths in life during an unforgettable summer.

Not only was I drawn to the film because of the delectable subject matter, but I enjoyed this heartwarming film. Holding true to life, Mystic Pizza is a coming-of-age story about three sets of romances. Eventually, you have to grow up as there’s no way to get around it.

Revolving around two sisters and their best friend; Kat, Daisy, and Jojo are different people but they’re searching for the same thing in life: love. Whenever these women hung out, their storytelling or light jabs made me smile. Friendship should never be taken advantage of. I also like how Kat and Daisy are sisters. You don’t see siblings hanging out enough in films.

All three actresses were wonderful. Mystic Pizza was Julia Roberts's breakout role. Daisy is a free-spirited young woman who is uncertain about her romance with a preppy rich young man. Daisy’s growth is one of the film’s greatest storylines along with how she takes a stand for both herself and her sister.

This is a role I have never seen Lili Taylor in. Most of her roles have seen her as a reliable character who keeps things in order. Jojo is anything but that. Unsure of commitment to marrying the man she loves, Taylor conducted an emotional sequence very well as she is rambling about the messes of a conflict while assembling things as she does it.

Annabeth Gish was remarkable in her performance. Orderly, intelligent, and attending college in the fall, Kat experiences unwavering feelings for a married man twice her age. Gish was incredible with her emotions in one scene, making my heart ache.

The pizza parlor is the utmost important setting in the film. As the girls work (or goof off if you want to call it) this is where they figure out their problems. You can just smell the delicious cheesy pizzas coming out of the oven.

The late Conchetta Ferrell was my favorite supporting role. As the owner of the Mystic Pizza parlor, Leona becomes a surrogate mother to the girls.

Mystic Pizza showcases the beautiful coastal setting, evoking a sense of nostalgia and creating a unique atmosphere for the film. I felt like I was a resident in this town, traveling up the streets and looking over the ocean views. The portrayal of the small-town and close-knit community adds depth and authenticity to the story.

Donald Petrie established the mood along with the calm and sweet piano soundtrack throughout. The story was told in snippets but it was still a full story. Mystic Pizza is not just a romance, but it delves into relatable themes about the challenges young women face in striving for accomplishment, especially in a society where women have been defined by their roles.

Coming-of-age and romance are two prominent themes in Mystic Pizza. The relationship between the girls plays an ample role in the story. As much as you want to keep goofing off, this is a time to start thinking ahead to the future (AKA adulthood). You will find a way to discover your dreams and find your greatest ambitions.

I wish I had a slice of pizza to munch on while watching this film. Mystic Pizza is an 80s classic. Put it on your watch list.