Deep Dish Apocalypse

The title of a book, movie, play, or game is crucial because it is what first entices the audience to consider giving the work a chance. 21 is a movie about blackjack, not someone turning 21 nor about 21 people, or to anything else that relates to that number’s importance. So, as a title, it is accurate but forgettable and not very informative. Fight Club is a brilliant title that aptly captures one’s attention and tells you a lot about the movie in just two words. Deep Dish Apocalypse is a title that when you hear it, you giggle to yourself. It is both accurate and informative, and the film it portends a total delight!

Traci (Emily Bell) dashes from her apartment to the subway, hoping to catch the last train out of dodge. She encounters Doug (Ron Morehouse), an acquaintance through work. She tells him that the contagion turning everyone into zombies isn’t airborne, so he can lose the scarf wrapped around his head. They then describe what brought them to the train station. Traci’s significant other Josh (Taylor Montana Catlin) was eating a pizza on the couch, next to her, as she chomped away at a salad. Next thing she knows, Josh’s eyes turn pure black, and he tries to eat her. Traci beats his skull in with a tennis racket.

“…contaminated mozzarella cause the zombie outbreak…”

As their wait for the train wears on, it comes to light that one of them may be infected. Did contaminated mozzarella cause the zombie outbreak as has been reported? Is it Traci, who admits to being in close proximity to a Detroit-style deep dish pizza, that is infected? Or is it the twitchy Doug, who doesn’t relate everything about his day? Do one, or both, of them, survive?

The opening sequence would feel right at home in a more serious-minded movie. The eerie empty streets and abandoned subway entrances are clear signs that something has devastated the city. Written by Trey Nichols and directed by David Codeglia Deep Dish Apocalypse is hysterical. Throughout her story, Doug is quipping about how surprised he is that the high and mighty Josh eats pizza like the rest of us plebeians. He continually drops hints that he never felt Traci and Josh were right for each other and that he cares for her. Given the gravity of the situation, it is not the most appropriate time to reveal one’s affections. This leads to some awkward but hilarious exchanges. Traci’s rant about just calling a freaking zombie a zombie is brilliant!

Bell is a whole lot of fun as the tenacious Traci, making for a confident and cool hero. Morehouse’s comedic timing is spot on, getting some massive laughs from his facial expressions. As the now dead Josh, Catlin doesn’t have much to do but makes for a fun zombie kill.

Deep Dish Apocalypse is an absolute delight for the duration of its 8-minute runtime. The acting is pitch perfect, the writing is witty, and the directing is exciting.

Deep Dish Apocalypse (2018) Directed by David Codeglia. Written by Trey Nichols. Starring Emily Bell, Ron Morehouse, Taylor Montana Catlin. Deep Dish Apocalypse made its world premiere at the 2018 Dances With Films.

10 out of 10