neglected pizza

I'm going to let you all in on an issue of great importance we often discuss in the Appel family. We call it the "neglected pizza phenomenon" --this is basically the idea that many movies, typically from the 80s and 90s, often bad horror or family comedy-types, will introduce a pizza into the film during what is a most pivotal, plot-advancing scene. Indeed, it seems that just after the pizza boy arrives and everyone is ready to dig in, a sound is heard, or there is a knock at the door (or whatever)--drawing our characters away from the cheesy, thick crust of the pizza and closer to the cheesier, thickening plot of the movie. We as an audience aren't usually clued in on the fate of the pizza beyond this point--whether or not it was wrapped up and saved in the fridge, or just left out on the counter all night while the characters were off "doing more important things." Sometimes the pizza is even used as a comedic touch to the scene--maybe it goes flying in the air upon bad-guy arrival and lands on someone's head, or we are given a shot later of the family dog eating the pizza amidst the mayhem of whatever shenanigans might be taking place.

The point here is that the pizza goes neglected, often untouched, and before you know it the story is unfolding. This universally enjoyed Italian delight just doesn't get the kind of recognition within the movie industry that it has so rightfully earned among American households. Pizza is delicious, and it doesn't deserve to be used for a cheap laugh, or as some kind of tool for directors to establish "hangin' out" in their movie before they get going with the action. Who will stand up for the pizzas, who? All I'm really asking for here is recognition. Next time you're watching a movie and see this kind of neglect happening, point it out. Look around to your friends and family, and say "Hey, what about the pizza? Who will eat the pizza?"--for the pizza's sake.

Some examples of movies with neglected/abused pizzas: E.T., Home Alone, Spider Man 2, She's All That

Find your own neglected pizza, and show it some love.