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Mystic Pizza (R, 1988)

common sense media says

Charming coming-of-age film infused with romance.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film deals with adult subject matter –- sexuality, economic class issues, and infidelity. There are strong messages here about the importance of friendship and family -- and of staying true to one's self.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The tourist board of Mystic Connecticut and the real Mystic Pizza shop that still exists today surely benefited by this.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Alcohol use, but not abuse.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Mystic Pizza

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what kind of things make you feel embarrassed about your family -- and what do you love about it? Why are roots important? What role does social class play in society? How does it determine your friendships and other relationships?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Working in a pizza shop in the port town of Mystic, Conn., Daisy (Julia Roberts), Kat (Annabeth Gish), and Jojo (Lili Taylor) sling pies made with a secret sauce that seems to delight everyone -- even dour restaurant critics. It's summertime, and high school is behind them, but the future seems frightening. Will they end up doling out slices in the hardscrabble, Portuguese fishing town for the rest of their lives? The film follows the trio through a summer of change and tough decisions about life, love, and careers. By summer's end, the three friends learn new things about themselves and those they love, but their friendship and sisterhood remain intact.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
A funny, sweet coming-of-age movie with a charming cast -- terrific performances by Roberts, Gish and Taylor -- MYSTIC PIZZA's dated clothing, hairstyles, and music should make fine fodder for 21st-century teen ridicule. Once they get past that, though, they'll enjoy it just as much as their parents did.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Donald Petrie
Cast: Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release: October 21, 1988
DVD release: November 13, 2001
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: Restricted
This review was written by Maya Dollarhide
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ACDude800
teen, 18 years old
12
 
Entertaining movie
This is a pretty decent movie that's worth watching. There's some strong profanity (including the f-bomb, used once in a sexual sense), and some mild to moderate sexual references, but not too much to worry about. Though the main characters do make mistakes and sometimes exhibit poor judgment, they clearly care about each other and their romantic interests and try to work their problems out.
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