As a general rule one should never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. This same helpful rule applies to watching filmmaker Michael Dorian’s documentary “Pizza! The Movie.”

Anyone with a soft spot for America’s favorite doughy disk will, upon watching this film, undoubtedly be gripped by a sudden, pressing need to call up the local delivery man and order a pizza of their very own.

As big pizza fans ourselves, we found Dorian’s appropriately titled doc had lots about it to love. You’ll excuse our non-intentional pun when we say that “Pizza! The Movie,” much like the tasty snack from which it derives its name is, ahem, very well rounded. Definitive might even be the better word. The film provides not just a look at the history of pizza’s journey into the hearts (and stomachs for that matter) of millions of American’s each year, but also a look at the business side of the pizza industry. Filmmaker Dorian even takes the time to cover the more human angles of his subject, following several groups of the most talented pizza makers in America as they compete in the 14th Annual World Pizza Championship, an event which has more twists, turns and competitive intrigue than one might expect.

Chock full of fun moments and informative interviews with all the heavy hitters in the world of pizza, from the co-founder of Pizza Hut to the dueling founders of the pizza industry’s two leading periodicals. Whether you’re a doc fan or just a die-hard pizza conniseur, any way you slice it (last one, we couldn’t resist a little “extra cheese,” OK, second to last) “Pizza! The Movie” makes for a fun evening. Just trust us and call up your local pizza establishment in advance or the hunger pangs will soon be upon you.

“Pizza! The Movie” premieres here on Documentary Channel on April 6, and for those who’d like a bit more background on the film, look for “Pizza!” on the web at www.thepizzamovie.com , where you can find out a bit about the making of the film and or click over to our Screening Room right now to check out the trailer .

Chris Dortch II