 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Mystic Pizza
- Review Date: August 16, 2005
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 1988
Common Sense Media says
Charming coming-of-age film infused with romance.
Parents say
Kids say
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Donald Petrie |
| Cast: | Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 21, 1988 |
| DVD release date: | November 13, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | Restricted |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
