What a fantastic story. Pee Wee Herman goes on a cross country adventure to find his missing bicycle. Why on earth didn't this movie get a proper follow-up with the same filmmakers? It's weird and silly with a twisted sense of humor. This movie holds up over repeated viewings.
221 Reviews
Oh yeah? Where are they hosing him down?
Boyo-25 September 2001
Hilarious movie and always will be. Has not aged one minute since I first saw it over sixteen years ago. You cannot say that about every movie, hell you can't say about about ANY movie!
Now that its one of the cornerstones of Comedy Central, its on quite often and I watch it from time to time. So do my nephews, who love to quote this movie more than any other one.
Paul Reubens really gave us a gift with Pee Wee. I guess the character was never meant to live forever and we will always have this comedy to enjoy. It was light years better than 'Big Top Pee Wee' which I also saw.
To the child in all of us, I say...'I know you are but what am I?'
PS For trivia fans, Simeone and Pee Wee were reunited by Tim Burton in 'Batman Returns', as the Penguins' parents.
Now that its one of the cornerstones of Comedy Central, its on quite often and I watch it from time to time. So do my nephews, who love to quote this movie more than any other one.
Paul Reubens really gave us a gift with Pee Wee. I guess the character was never meant to live forever and we will always have this comedy to enjoy. It was light years better than 'Big Top Pee Wee' which I also saw.
To the child in all of us, I say...'I know you are but what am I?'
PS For trivia fans, Simeone and Pee Wee were reunited by Tim Burton in 'Batman Returns', as the Penguins' parents.
Recommended for people who like colorful visuals and absurd characters.
ccthemovieman-124 June 2006
Not ever being a fan of "Pee Wee Herman" (Paul Reubens), I found myself very surprised that I enjoyed this movie when it first came out on VHS and several viewings since (including on DVD.)
Despite Pee Wee's stupid character he's still a likable guy and the movie is outrageously funny, a tribute in part to the visuals of director Tim Burton. This is one of his earliest films and his first "hit." It began to stamp him as someone who could make stylish films with a good sense of the absurd.
It took four viewings until I finally got sick of Pee Wee's stupid laugh, which he overdoes and finally made me reduce the rating of the film from '9' to '7." This is another one of these films for kids and adults.
Once Pee Wee gets on the road looking for his missing bicycle, the films gets rolling and has some memorable stops on the way (large dinosaurs, his famous "Tequila" dance, "Large Marge" and other assorted strange scenes, all of which are very entertaining.)
Despite Pee Wee's stupid character he's still a likable guy and the movie is outrageously funny, a tribute in part to the visuals of director Tim Burton. This is one of his earliest films and his first "hit." It began to stamp him as someone who could make stylish films with a good sense of the absurd.
It took four viewings until I finally got sick of Pee Wee's stupid laugh, which he overdoes and finally made me reduce the rating of the film from '9' to '7." This is another one of these films for kids and adults.
Once Pee Wee gets on the road looking for his missing bicycle, the films gets rolling and has some memorable stops on the way (large dinosaurs, his famous "Tequila" dance, "Large Marge" and other assorted strange scenes, all of which are very entertaining.)
Good fun if you're in the mood for it
bob the moo30 November 2003
Man-child Pee-wee Herman lives a magical life but has one possession that he treasures over all the others his bicycle. The envy of the neighbourhood, his bike is his life and he is horrified when he finds it stolen. With the police unwilling to start a statewide search, Pee-wee sets out on an adventure to try and find his bike.
Pee-Wee Herman is a fairly acquired taste and won't please all audiences. I quite liked him here but couldn't have watched his show on a weekly basis. In this film though his `man-child' style and outlandish sense of humour really work out well. The plot is fairly pointless and just sparks off a road trip, which has a series of bizarre characters and adventures along the way.
Tim Burton's darkly comic imagination certainly helps and he gives the whole film an other-worldly feel to the whole thing, whether it be in the delivery of Herman's dreams or just the look of the film as a whole. Not all of it works of course, some of it misfires and isn't as funny as it would like to think that it is, however much of it is weirdly amusing and will be entertaining if you like Herman's style.
Herman can be annoying but here he stays on the right side of irritating and he is amusing in his delivery. He certainly suits the material and his OTT/hyper style helps the audience get into the very silly plot! Support is good and has lots of small roles that are weird and funny.
Overall this film is very much a matter of taste. If you like Herman then you should enjoy this film as it is very well done and is blessed with a real other-worldly touch by a great director in the making.
Pee-Wee Herman is a fairly acquired taste and won't please all audiences. I quite liked him here but couldn't have watched his show on a weekly basis. In this film though his `man-child' style and outlandish sense of humour really work out well. The plot is fairly pointless and just sparks off a road trip, which has a series of bizarre characters and adventures along the way.
Tim Burton's darkly comic imagination certainly helps and he gives the whole film an other-worldly feel to the whole thing, whether it be in the delivery of Herman's dreams or just the look of the film as a whole. Not all of it works of course, some of it misfires and isn't as funny as it would like to think that it is, however much of it is weirdly amusing and will be entertaining if you like Herman's style.
Herman can be annoying but here he stays on the right side of irritating and he is amusing in his delivery. He certainly suits the material and his OTT/hyper style helps the audience get into the very silly plot! Support is good and has lots of small roles that are weird and funny.
Overall this film is very much a matter of taste. If you like Herman then you should enjoy this film as it is very well done and is blessed with a real other-worldly touch by a great director in the making.
Masterpiece from maligned genius
refill16 June 2000
Okay, so it loses a bit of steam in the final third, but that's true of most movies. It still rates a ten. The first film by Paul Ruebens, Tim Burton and the incomparable film composer Danny Elfman, it bubbles with the pure joy and exuberance of three talented people playing with a brand new toy. No film has ever been more fun to watch.
Reubens' media crucifixion in the early 90's was a crime against pop culture. America's snickering sanctimony stifled and virtually silenced one of the few original voices in the entertainment industry. I'm only thankful that Pee-wee lives on in video-land, so that my children and I can continue to enjoy his film and television work (the new DVD of "Big Adventure", by the way, is a treasure).
Pee-wee Herman, it's time to come back! Your loyal fans await your triumphant return. And to all those sicko name-callers out there, we have only one thing to say:
"I know you are, but what am I?"
Reubens' media crucifixion in the early 90's was a crime against pop culture. America's snickering sanctimony stifled and virtually silenced one of the few original voices in the entertainment industry. I'm only thankful that Pee-wee lives on in video-land, so that my children and I can continue to enjoy his film and television work (the new DVD of "Big Adventure", by the way, is a treasure).
Pee-wee Herman, it's time to come back! Your loyal fans await your triumphant return. And to all those sicko name-callers out there, we have only one thing to say:
"I know you are, but what am I?"
It's more than just about a bike.
mark.waltz11 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Somebody has stolen Pee Wee's bike, and he must get it back. Like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this isn't just any bike. It's his prize possession. No, it doesn't float or fly, but it might as well in his mind. An obnoxious, spoiled rich kid (just as child-like as Pee Wee, but not in a good way) covets the bike, but Pee Wee won't part for it for all the money in the world. When it all of a sudden vanishes, Pee Wee becomes desperate and that is where his adventure begins.
The music of Danny Elfman becomes practically a supporting character as Pee Wee goes on the road, hitchhiking and meeting all sorts of strange characters along the way. It all ends up in Hollywood where everything comes together, turning kiwi into a celebrity of this. But in this situation comedy, it's the individual sequences that stand out, and boy, are some of them unforgettable! Of course, the most famous is his meeting up with grim woman truck driver Large Marge, played with joyous dark wit by Alice Nunn. Future "Saturday Night Live" star Jan Hooks is hysterical as a tour guide in the Alamo.
Also popping in is none other than Elvira, appearing as a rather tough biker chick. Pee Wee gets to save his butt by doing the big shoe dance. An escaped convict nearly makes Pee Wee his bride, a truck stop dinosaur comes to life, and heroic Pee Wee shows his love for caged animals in a burning pet store. Practically ruining a Hollywood studio, Pee Wee shows that underdog can be the hero, and most especially that bullies never win.
This all comes from the mind of the very inventive Pemberton, here making his feature film debut and what an opening sequence he creates with kiwis start of the day in his very extraordinary kitchen. Salesman score becomes almost the march of the bicycles, and long after this movie is over, you may be humming that music in your head. Of course at this time, Pee-wee Herman was the star of his own television show and while he only had infrequent appearances in films afterwards, his feature film debut would go on to become one of the great comedy classics of the 1980s. It is one that you can continuously watch over and over again and always find something to laugh with.
The music of Danny Elfman becomes practically a supporting character as Pee Wee goes on the road, hitchhiking and meeting all sorts of strange characters along the way. It all ends up in Hollywood where everything comes together, turning kiwi into a celebrity of this. But in this situation comedy, it's the individual sequences that stand out, and boy, are some of them unforgettable! Of course, the most famous is his meeting up with grim woman truck driver Large Marge, played with joyous dark wit by Alice Nunn. Future "Saturday Night Live" star Jan Hooks is hysterical as a tour guide in the Alamo.
Also popping in is none other than Elvira, appearing as a rather tough biker chick. Pee Wee gets to save his butt by doing the big shoe dance. An escaped convict nearly makes Pee Wee his bride, a truck stop dinosaur comes to life, and heroic Pee Wee shows his love for caged animals in a burning pet store. Practically ruining a Hollywood studio, Pee Wee shows that underdog can be the hero, and most especially that bullies never win.
This all comes from the mind of the very inventive Pemberton, here making his feature film debut and what an opening sequence he creates with kiwis start of the day in his very extraordinary kitchen. Salesman score becomes almost the march of the bicycles, and long after this movie is over, you may be humming that music in your head. Of course at this time, Pee-wee Herman was the star of his own television show and while he only had infrequent appearances in films afterwards, his feature film debut would go on to become one of the great comedy classics of the 1980s. It is one that you can continuously watch over and over again and always find something to laugh with.
One of the better pure comedies.
kevino-415 May 2003
My favorite Burton film, the only one under his direction I've seen where there is no heavy handed attempt to create a mood or an effect. In fact this is as straight a comedy as the Marx Brothers created in their films, totally without seriousness and with no opportunity to just do something funny passed by. Ruebens was inspired, well supported by cast, pacing and minimal props. His Pee Wee appears as a genuine person which gives the comedy enough bite to stick. This is a vastly underrated movie in my opinion and worth the consideration of anyone who likes to laugh.
Super stupid but super fun
planktonrules19 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
While I am the first to admit that a little Pee Wee Herman goes a VERY LONG WAY, I must admit that I enjoyed this film. That's because the movie is fun and silly from start to finish. Plus, there are enough separate episodes that the movie does not rely completely on Paul Rubens' mugging--and that is definitely the problem with the followup film, BIG TOP PEE WEE. Instead, a wonderful and creative script pull you into a strange world of adventure. Considering just how weird and fun this surrealistic world is, it certainly should not come as any surprise that the movie was directed by Tim Burton in one of his earliest films.
The plot of the film is pretty irrelevant, as it's just a silly excuse to travel America in search of strange friends and bizarre adventures. The film is all about Pee Wee looking everywhere for his stolen bicycle--and that's really it! But the journey is so odd and funny that the thread-bare plot is just fine! You get to see Pee Wee in drag, meet and befriend a motorcycle gang, see Twisted Sister, hitchhike a ride from a ghost, and many other strange things. Each of these adventures is handled in a very tongue-in-cheek manner and the fun is infectious. The only thing is, after an entire movie of the asexual and creepy Pee Wee, I think I was finished and had no desire for more.
The plot of the film is pretty irrelevant, as it's just a silly excuse to travel America in search of strange friends and bizarre adventures. The film is all about Pee Wee looking everywhere for his stolen bicycle--and that's really it! But the journey is so odd and funny that the thread-bare plot is just fine! You get to see Pee Wee in drag, meet and befriend a motorcycle gang, see Twisted Sister, hitchhike a ride from a ghost, and many other strange things. Each of these adventures is handled in a very tongue-in-cheek manner and the fun is infectious. The only thing is, after an entire movie of the asexual and creepy Pee Wee, I think I was finished and had no desire for more.
An overall success of laughter and class combined!
chrishewittpiano23 December 2002
Some people may think that this movie is silly, pointless, and has ridiculous scenes. But I, however, find it to be entertaining, very funny, and a good family movie made back in the 80's. It has a lot of jokes that are mostly the ones that are funny because they are weird and never seen anywhere else, but it does also have some one-liners that make even the most stern of audiences laugh. What I liked about this movie was that it had a lot of people involved in it. There were also a lot of locations that were shown in this film, even if the places were not the initial location that they intentioned of in the movie.
All of the characters gave pretty good performances that were done at optimum level of expectation. To be honest, I cannot think of any reason off the top of my head that could make "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" better. There are plenty of jokes as I have already said that make you laugh . The camera angles that they used also coordinated with the way that the jokes went together. The camera might be having a close-up frame and behind the character's back Pee-wee might do something to make that character turn around with the camera behind it. The things like that are what make this movie good.
My other favorite parts of this movie are the scenes of Pee-wee's house, that had a very creative touch to it, and how Pee-wee had such dedication to his "magical" bike. To see if I am right, you should go out and rent "Pee-wee's Big Adventure". I guarantee at least five long and hard laughs. With all of it's silliness combined, I give this movie ****/****, a 10/10. It was really a good experience to me.
All of the characters gave pretty good performances that were done at optimum level of expectation. To be honest, I cannot think of any reason off the top of my head that could make "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" better. There are plenty of jokes as I have already said that make you laugh . The camera angles that they used also coordinated with the way that the jokes went together. The camera might be having a close-up frame and behind the character's back Pee-wee might do something to make that character turn around with the camera behind it. The things like that are what make this movie good.
My other favorite parts of this movie are the scenes of Pee-wee's house, that had a very creative touch to it, and how Pee-wee had such dedication to his "magical" bike. To see if I am right, you should go out and rent "Pee-wee's Big Adventure". I guarantee at least five long and hard laughs. With all of it's silliness combined, I give this movie ****/****, a 10/10. It was really a good experience to me.
Good fun for fans of Tim Burton and weird comedy
SkullScreamerReturns13 June 2020
Pee-Wee is not part of my childhood but I've heard many internet people talk about him later. The funny weirdo character suits well together with the director Tim Burton's wild imaginative visions. Mostly it's colorful and cheerful but sometimes also darker vibes are thrown in, like a rainy street view that reminded me of the gothic style of his later Batman films.
It's a really funny adventure comedy film but you need to have a certain childlike attitude to enjoy it. If you're too serious you might find Pee-Wee's constant giggling a bit annoying. I personally liked the whole movie a lot.
It's a really funny adventure comedy film but you need to have a certain childlike attitude to enjoy it. If you're too serious you might find Pee-Wee's constant giggling a bit annoying. I personally liked the whole movie a lot.
Burton's strangest
mkw-57 February 2006
This is a really strange film. Like the title suggests, this is at least as much Pee Wee Herman's film that it is Tim Burton's. In fact Herman has also made the script. Tim Burton's movies are important to me, just like to so many people who grew up in the late eighties and nineties. This don't feel like a Burton movie very much, so I try to review it as an independent movie. It's a movie about a weirdo guy who lives in his own childish fantasy world. To me it feels more like a pictorial of some kind of mental problems than, say, a funny comedy for children. Anyway the main character is about 35 years old. The viewpoint of the movie is from this guys perspective, from where everything seems miraculous. Pee Wee is more like a sad clown, not someone who would make you, or at least me, laugh. In all his strangeness he's kinda unhuman and distant. I think this film portrays this guys "communication" with the world quite interestingly; he don't have much contact with it. But, there is another possible way to watch at least some parts of this film, and I realised that only after the first twenty minutes or so: As an old time-style comedy. Pee Wee Herman is just like some Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd or Chaplin -kind of mute comedy character. Only difference is that now we would have the sound, the capability to communicate by speaking. If you would want it. With no doubt this is also a tribute to those old movies. In any case, I think this movie is quite boring; at least it don't manage to get me interested of itself. Maybe it is a children movie, that only children are "able" to watch. Generally I think that most of the best "children's" stories work also for adults, and have many different dimensions and depths to see for people of any age. But this don't work like that. I think the other Burton's work I've seen from the beginning of his career (I mean before he started to make REALLY great films), for example Amazing Stories episode "Family Dog" (with Brad Bird) and other animation "Vincent" are really great movies, and I would recommend those instead of this, if you'd have to choose. But because you do not have to choose, and if you're interested, then see this just for the general education. It's not bad, it's just boring.
A near-perfect film
BandSAboutMovies1 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
DAY 1. FAMILY TIME: Tired of seeing the same faces every day? Look at a movie instead! Rated PG or less. East in to it!
In the days before the internet, we could build our own cults. Amongst my family, we were obsessed with Pee-Wee Herman. Just imagine, in a time that could only be predicted by TV Guide, Pee-Wee would randomly show up in movies like Cheech & Chong's Next Movie and Nice Dreams, where he was only known as "The Hamburger Guy." As the 80's began, Pee-Wee started by performing five months of the live The Pee-wee Herman Show at the Roxy Theater in LA and getting a taped special on HBO.
That special dominated my eight-year-old mind, presenting a world that at once childlike and at the other end, strangely sinister and adult. I watched it so many times that I could recite every single word and still can. The end, where Pee-Wee finally learns to fly, can often reduce me to tears.
In the five years between that special and this movie, Paul Reubens pretty much became Pee-Wee, even asking his parents to go by the names Honey and Herman Herman. His David Letterman appearances -- major surprises, as we stated before -- were riotous bursts of anarchy on a show that was already breaking nearly every rule of television. So when a Pee-Wee movie was announced, we lost our collective minds.
Somehow, Pee-Wee Herman is the rarest of cases of someone who became famous without losing a single ounce of his weirdness. And much like the HBO show that came before, I can still recite every word of this movie, quote it at will throughout the day and get misty-eyed just thinking of moments within it.
The story is incredibly simple: Pee-Wee's most prized possession -- his bike -- has been taken by Francis. Now, he must get it back. A psychic tells our hero that his bike is in the basement of the Alamo, so we're off to adventure.
That's it. It's that easy.
From wrestler Silo Sam chasing Pee-Wee around dinosaurs to his speech to Dottie (I actually gave this exact same "I'm a rebel, a loner" speech to a date once and was convinced she was going to slap me; she cried and told me it was the saddest thing she'd ever heard, somehow never seeing this movie before), dancing to "Tequilla" at a biker bar while Satan's Helpers (look for Elvira) look on and so much more, there are so many moments in this film that simply listing them would take on the feel of Chris Farley talking to Paul McCartney.
I mean, without this film, you may not have Danny Elfman and Tim Burton making big budget movies.
To write the film, Reubens, Phil Hartman and Michael Varhol purchased the book Syd Field's Screenplay and were as literal as possible. "It's a 90-minute film, it's a 90-page script," said Ruebens. "On page 30 I lose my bike, on page 60 I find it. It's literally exactly what they said to do in the book." In my crazed mind, I also wish that Ruebens had followed through with his plan to remake Pollyanna with Pee-Wee in the lead.
There are so many easter eggs in this film, like the magic shop owned being named after Mario Bava, the Chiodo Brothers animating Large Marge, the Aleister Crowley head in the aforementioned magic shop, James Brolin playing Pee-Wee, the start of my crush on E.G. Daily, Professor Toru Tanaka as Francis' butler and even the first acting role for Darla the dog, who was Queenie in The 'Burbs and Precious in The Silence of the Lambs.
There are so many lines in this, too. I leave you with my favorite:
Simone: Do you have any dreams?
Pee-Wee Herman: Yeah, I'm all alone. I'm rolling a big doughnut and this snake wearing a vest...
PS: I have just one more ridiculous Pee-Wee story to tell. In 1989, Pee-Wee exchanged fake marriage vows with Chandi Heffner -- the adopted daughter of Doris Duke, the richest little girl in the world. Chandi was a Hare Krishna devotee and sister of the third wife of billionaire Nelson Peltz and all of 35-years-old when she was adopted, as Duke believed that she was the reincarnation of her only biological child Arden, who died days after being born. Chandra and Pee-Wee were "married" by Imelda Marcos at Duke's Honolulu mansion Shangri-La. If you think the world is not amazing and special, you're a fool.
In the days before the internet, we could build our own cults. Amongst my family, we were obsessed with Pee-Wee Herman. Just imagine, in a time that could only be predicted by TV Guide, Pee-Wee would randomly show up in movies like Cheech & Chong's Next Movie and Nice Dreams, where he was only known as "The Hamburger Guy." As the 80's began, Pee-Wee started by performing five months of the live The Pee-wee Herman Show at the Roxy Theater in LA and getting a taped special on HBO.
That special dominated my eight-year-old mind, presenting a world that at once childlike and at the other end, strangely sinister and adult. I watched it so many times that I could recite every single word and still can. The end, where Pee-Wee finally learns to fly, can often reduce me to tears.
In the five years between that special and this movie, Paul Reubens pretty much became Pee-Wee, even asking his parents to go by the names Honey and Herman Herman. His David Letterman appearances -- major surprises, as we stated before -- were riotous bursts of anarchy on a show that was already breaking nearly every rule of television. So when a Pee-Wee movie was announced, we lost our collective minds.
Somehow, Pee-Wee Herman is the rarest of cases of someone who became famous without losing a single ounce of his weirdness. And much like the HBO show that came before, I can still recite every word of this movie, quote it at will throughout the day and get misty-eyed just thinking of moments within it.
The story is incredibly simple: Pee-Wee's most prized possession -- his bike -- has been taken by Francis. Now, he must get it back. A psychic tells our hero that his bike is in the basement of the Alamo, so we're off to adventure.
That's it. It's that easy.
From wrestler Silo Sam chasing Pee-Wee around dinosaurs to his speech to Dottie (I actually gave this exact same "I'm a rebel, a loner" speech to a date once and was convinced she was going to slap me; she cried and told me it was the saddest thing she'd ever heard, somehow never seeing this movie before), dancing to "Tequilla" at a biker bar while Satan's Helpers (look for Elvira) look on and so much more, there are so many moments in this film that simply listing them would take on the feel of Chris Farley talking to Paul McCartney.
I mean, without this film, you may not have Danny Elfman and Tim Burton making big budget movies.
To write the film, Reubens, Phil Hartman and Michael Varhol purchased the book Syd Field's Screenplay and were as literal as possible. "It's a 90-minute film, it's a 90-page script," said Ruebens. "On page 30 I lose my bike, on page 60 I find it. It's literally exactly what they said to do in the book." In my crazed mind, I also wish that Ruebens had followed through with his plan to remake Pollyanna with Pee-Wee in the lead.
There are so many easter eggs in this film, like the magic shop owned being named after Mario Bava, the Chiodo Brothers animating Large Marge, the Aleister Crowley head in the aforementioned magic shop, James Brolin playing Pee-Wee, the start of my crush on E.G. Daily, Professor Toru Tanaka as Francis' butler and even the first acting role for Darla the dog, who was Queenie in The 'Burbs and Precious in The Silence of the Lambs.
There are so many lines in this, too. I leave you with my favorite:
Simone: Do you have any dreams?
Pee-Wee Herman: Yeah, I'm all alone. I'm rolling a big doughnut and this snake wearing a vest...
PS: I have just one more ridiculous Pee-Wee story to tell. In 1989, Pee-Wee exchanged fake marriage vows with Chandi Heffner -- the adopted daughter of Doris Duke, the richest little girl in the world. Chandi was a Hare Krishna devotee and sister of the third wife of billionaire Nelson Peltz and all of 35-years-old when she was adopted, as Duke believed that she was the reincarnation of her only biological child Arden, who died days after being born. Chandra and Pee-Wee were "married" by Imelda Marcos at Duke's Honolulu mansion Shangri-La. If you think the world is not amazing and special, you're a fool.
makes you feel like a child all over again
lee_eisenberg19 April 2006
I have to admit that I don't know too much about Pee-wee Herman outside from his real-life mishaps, so this is pretty much my only exposure to him. The plot of course has him looking for his bike and experiencing some weird situations along the way. That whole skit with the bikers was pretty cool. Tim Burton was clearly showing his skills as a director here.
All in all, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" is a movie that you're bound to like. Maybe it's not exactly a laugh a minute, but it's still quite neat. It makes you feel like a child all over again. Look for Phil Hartman, Jan Hooks, James Brolin, Morgan Fairchild and Milton Berle in small roles.
All in all, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" is a movie that you're bound to like. Maybe it's not exactly a laugh a minute, but it's still quite neat. It makes you feel like a child all over again. Look for Phil Hartman, Jan Hooks, James Brolin, Morgan Fairchild and Milton Berle in small roles.
Well, I liked it as a kid
Leofwine_draca2 December 2015
Tim Burton's directorial movie debut is a film for acquired tastes. I remember seeing it on television when I was around 5 years old in the 1980s and thinking it was very funny; time hasn't been kind to it since then, however. Pee-wee Herman feels like an American version of Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean, although nowhere near as funny.
Indeed, Paul Reubens gives such an over-the-top performance of constant mannerisms and tics - not to mention THAT laugh - that he becomes irritating after about, oh I don't know, five minutes. The resultant film, which follows a journey narrative as he goes on a nationwide hunt for his stolen bicycle, is therefore tiresome. For most of the running time I kept thinking about the various run-ins with the law that Reubens has had since, and for some reason I found THAT funnier than the supposed humour here.
PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE isn't a complete mess. Burton's direction feels assured and confident even at this early stage of his career and he certainly puts in a lot more effort here than he did in something like the CGI monstrosity that was ALICE IN WONDERLAND. There are also a handful of funny moments along the way, like the bar dance, although my favourite moment is the excellent homage to the Japanese Godzilla series. A shame the rest of the movie couldn't have followed suit.
Indeed, Paul Reubens gives such an over-the-top performance of constant mannerisms and tics - not to mention THAT laugh - that he becomes irritating after about, oh I don't know, five minutes. The resultant film, which follows a journey narrative as he goes on a nationwide hunt for his stolen bicycle, is therefore tiresome. For most of the running time I kept thinking about the various run-ins with the law that Reubens has had since, and for some reason I found THAT funnier than the supposed humour here.
PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE isn't a complete mess. Burton's direction feels assured and confident even at this early stage of his career and he certainly puts in a lot more effort here than he did in something like the CGI monstrosity that was ALICE IN WONDERLAND. There are also a handful of funny moments along the way, like the bar dance, although my favourite moment is the excellent homage to the Japanese Godzilla series. A shame the rest of the movie couldn't have followed suit.
One of Tim Burton's best films and one of the great classic comedies of all time. ***** out of 5
pumpkinhead_lance29 June 2005
This is one of the earliest films I can remember watching as a kid. I mean I was literally obsessed with Pee Wee Herman. HEck, I even dressed up like him for Halloween and I'll even admit I dressed up like him when I got back from school. I had the white church shoes and everything.
I even dress up like him nowadays from time to time... no no, just kidding... come back! I was only kidding.
Anyways, Paul Reubens created one of the funniest characters to grace the big and small screens and this Tim Burton film certainly had an impact on my life. I sincerely believe this film had a lot to do with my love of films today.
As funny as the film is, it's the look of it that probably drew me in at such a young age. I mean, there are tons of jokes that just fly right over your head at that age. The fact that this crazy guy in a red bow tie was going cross country to get back his gadget laden bicycle was really cool.
That bike, man... how I wanted one. And still do. :-) "Brush Brush Brush... Brush Brush Brush!"
The dream sequences are outstanding, especially the clown dream. Quite possibly why I hate clowns to this day. The visions of Pee Wee standing there while the surgeons hand surgical tools to one another in front of him is something disturbing. Not to mention the unveiling of the lead surgeon. I mean, these are some profoundly disturbing images... and let's not forget Large Marge! Sheesh!
The music by Danny Elfman remains one of his very best scores. And to think it was his first orchestral score! Brilliant!
The inclusion of Godzilla and Monster Zero was a real plus as I have always been a huge Godzilla fan. The chase through Warner Bros. back lot is really awesome!
I can't praise the film enough. Definitely one that is among my Top 20 films of all time.
I even dress up like him nowadays from time to time... no no, just kidding... come back! I was only kidding.
Anyways, Paul Reubens created one of the funniest characters to grace the big and small screens and this Tim Burton film certainly had an impact on my life. I sincerely believe this film had a lot to do with my love of films today.
As funny as the film is, it's the look of it that probably drew me in at such a young age. I mean, there are tons of jokes that just fly right over your head at that age. The fact that this crazy guy in a red bow tie was going cross country to get back his gadget laden bicycle was really cool.
That bike, man... how I wanted one. And still do. :-) "Brush Brush Brush... Brush Brush Brush!"
The dream sequences are outstanding, especially the clown dream. Quite possibly why I hate clowns to this day. The visions of Pee Wee standing there while the surgeons hand surgical tools to one another in front of him is something disturbing. Not to mention the unveiling of the lead surgeon. I mean, these are some profoundly disturbing images... and let's not forget Large Marge! Sheesh!
The music by Danny Elfman remains one of his very best scores. And to think it was his first orchestral score! Brilliant!
The inclusion of Godzilla and Monster Zero was a real plus as I have always been a huge Godzilla fan. The chase through Warner Bros. back lot is really awesome!
I can't praise the film enough. Definitely one that is among my Top 20 films of all time.
Pee Wee Herman + Tim Burton = MANIC FUN!!
InzyWimzy12 September 2002
Wow, deja vu.
I haven't seen this one since....years ago back when wearing wrist bracelets was popular. It brought back all these memories of the fun I had watching this a kid. Surprisingly, this is Tim Burton's first movie and he did a great job. His unique directing, visual design, and dark comedy just work superbly as a whole. I can never remember being so affected by clowns in hospital smocks.
Let's not forget Pee Wee as well. He was definitely a character who I enjoyed watching because he was so carefree, happy, and it was hard not to like him. There are so many great scenes in this one like breakfast time, the Alamo, Pee Wee's nightmares, any scene with Francis "YOU'LL BE SORRY PEE WEE HERMAN!" Buxton, Mickey the con, the Warner Bros lot and so many more. The characters are great too and from their performances, you can tell they had fun doing this film cause it shows. With a the limited budget, Pee Wee's wacky nature, and Tim Burton's imagination, it all adds up to a really entertaining film. Oops, can't forget Danny Elfman's great soundtrack which sets the tone rather nicely.
The DVD has great commentary from Paul & Tim and provides great insight into the film. Watch this one and remember:
"Be sure and tell them Large Marge sent ya!!"
I haven't seen this one since....years ago back when wearing wrist bracelets was popular. It brought back all these memories of the fun I had watching this a kid. Surprisingly, this is Tim Burton's first movie and he did a great job. His unique directing, visual design, and dark comedy just work superbly as a whole. I can never remember being so affected by clowns in hospital smocks.
Let's not forget Pee Wee as well. He was definitely a character who I enjoyed watching because he was so carefree, happy, and it was hard not to like him. There are so many great scenes in this one like breakfast time, the Alamo, Pee Wee's nightmares, any scene with Francis "YOU'LL BE SORRY PEE WEE HERMAN!" Buxton, Mickey the con, the Warner Bros lot and so many more. The characters are great too and from their performances, you can tell they had fun doing this film cause it shows. With a the limited budget, Pee Wee's wacky nature, and Tim Burton's imagination, it all adds up to a really entertaining film. Oops, can't forget Danny Elfman's great soundtrack which sets the tone rather nicely.
The DVD has great commentary from Paul & Tim and provides great insight into the film. Watch this one and remember:
"Be sure and tell them Large Marge sent ya!!"
Much more entertaining than Star Wars!
robot-cat18 February 2004
i'm appalled at the rating for this classic. what i gathered from the few negative nellies is that they were (a) not Pee Wee fans or (b) obsessive burton fans who think of this as one of his films, when really the comedy stylings of pee wee & phil hartman, both former groundlings, who are the heart and soul of this movie. i'm not saying burton didn't contribute, but that it was a collaboration between the three.
10/10
10/10
Delightful and extremely witty.
redcrossaint17 April 2022
Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985)
4/4
The movie follows an eccentric man-child Pee-Wee, who gets his bike stolen, and sets out in the U. S. to find his bike, and also learn a few things about life.
This movie is really charming. It's a lot of fun to watch, and a constant joy. The sets, colors, costumes, story direction, Paul Reubens... almost everything about this movie is superb and brilliant entertainment. It may seem extremely stupid - but trust me, this movie is extremely smart and has a high wit level.
What I love the most about this movie are the bright, flashing colors, thanks to Tim Burton's brilliant direction. All throughout his work, Burton has always been known for a distinct visual style, and this movie reminds me why it's so loved and cherished. This is a movie with color to spare. The screenplay, written by Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, and Michael Varhol, is also clever - the humor is childish, but childishly smart, to put it mildly. I laughed multiple times. Reubens, who plays Pee-Wee, has a lot of charisma and soul, and is a constant joy. But Tim Burton brings the whole thing together; his bright colors match with the clever and absurd situation. The plot is also very clever, and sustains itself all throughout the movie. Another thing that particularly stands out is composer Danny Elfman's score, which is always unpredictable, and always magnificent.
This is all great work here, one of Tim Burton's best, one of Paul Reubens best, and for sure one of Danny Elfman's best.
4/4
The movie follows an eccentric man-child Pee-Wee, who gets his bike stolen, and sets out in the U. S. to find his bike, and also learn a few things about life.
This movie is really charming. It's a lot of fun to watch, and a constant joy. The sets, colors, costumes, story direction, Paul Reubens... almost everything about this movie is superb and brilliant entertainment. It may seem extremely stupid - but trust me, this movie is extremely smart and has a high wit level.
What I love the most about this movie are the bright, flashing colors, thanks to Tim Burton's brilliant direction. All throughout his work, Burton has always been known for a distinct visual style, and this movie reminds me why it's so loved and cherished. This is a movie with color to spare. The screenplay, written by Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, and Michael Varhol, is also clever - the humor is childish, but childishly smart, to put it mildly. I laughed multiple times. Reubens, who plays Pee-Wee, has a lot of charisma and soul, and is a constant joy. But Tim Burton brings the whole thing together; his bright colors match with the clever and absurd situation. The plot is also very clever, and sustains itself all throughout the movie. Another thing that particularly stands out is composer Danny Elfman's score, which is always unpredictable, and always magnificent.
This is all great work here, one of Tim Burton's best, one of Paul Reubens best, and for sure one of Danny Elfman's best.
Peep This Reviews
newblu9 July 2017
A man-child on an epic quest to reclaim his prized bicycle. Full of some of the strangest and most brilliant characters you'll ever see. It's quirky in the best ways and it's humor is wonderfully off-beat and bizarre. Needs to be seen for the opening breakfast scene alone...and just gets better.
Why it's my favorite Tim Burton movie
Psycho8622 September 2002
I absolutely love everyone of Tim Burton's movies, but if I had to pick which one was my favorite, this would be the one. Why you ask? Well, first of all, this movie has everything. And I do mean everything. Horror, comedy, family fun, you name it. This movie scared me so much when I was a kid. I mean come on, that scene when you see all those clowns and the dinosaur, not to mention the "Large Marge" scene, were scary.
Simply put, I could pop this one in and easily watch it for lots of fun. Not saying that Tim Burton's other movies aren't fun, but this one can be watched under any circumstances. It's like the reason BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA is my favorite John Carpenter movie.
Simply put, I could pop this one in and easily watch it for lots of fun. Not saying that Tim Burton's other movies aren't fun, but this one can be watched under any circumstances. It's like the reason BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA is my favorite John Carpenter movie.
That laugh gets in your head
willcundallreview21 November 2015
That laugh is contagious, in fact even when this guy is just generally doing something basic he makes a little laugh come out. I am of course talking about Pee-wee Herman, a man who wears a suit, rides a tricked out bike and just generally talks like an 8 year old kid. The movie is all about his beloved bike which is stolen, Pee- wee is devastated, in fact so much so that he faints in the local bike shop. We then follow Pee-wee as he travels far to find his bicycle and over that time he gets into many situations and meets some crazy characters.
OK this movie is funny, in fact some scenes are actually really funny and you can't help but find most things Pee-wee does pretty humorous. The movie is though no masterpiece and can be not so funny at times, it is good don't get me wrong but not as good as I have seen some claim this to be. If you take away its cult status then you get a good and very welcome entry into the world of directing from Tim Burton who makes this even funnier than it probably should have been, his odd style actually improves this to an extent that Pee-wee seems crazy and yet so does everybody else. Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens and Michael Varhol create a screenplay that is pretty nicely done for the movie and although most laughs really are generated from the physical side of Pee-wee, it still is very nicely written.
One of the writers Paul Reubens is of course Pee-wee himself and creates an extremely memorable character who is likable albeit his kind of annoying personality. Reubens recreates his character for the big screen and brings a kind of person who can make both children and adults laugh. I think one big thing about this is really the fact that adults can enjoy this too, I said about Reubens making it funny but also the way in which the jokes are done are in a way in which all ages can laugh and I feel Burton was really the one who made that work.
This movie is as I said before not the very best when it comes to comedy though, some jokes fall a little flat and the movie by the end can feel like a crazy ride where you can't quite remember some of the jokes on show. I did however enjoy the story and that is another thing which makes this a good movie and one that is likable, you don't just have the comedy stuffed in there, but genuinely an interesting story about a guy who loves his bike so much he has to travel far and wide to find it.
So overall a recommendable movie and one you could easily watch again one day, it's nice and snappy and at a running time of 90 minutes it doesn't' feel like a slog in anyway. Tim Burton may be remembered for a long time in the future for making his Gothic and very dark films that although are mostly humorous, they never feel like this one, it isn't exactly dark and is a very basic story, never goes over the top and just feels nice, a good little watch for anyone of any age.
OK this movie is funny, in fact some scenes are actually really funny and you can't help but find most things Pee-wee does pretty humorous. The movie is though no masterpiece and can be not so funny at times, it is good don't get me wrong but not as good as I have seen some claim this to be. If you take away its cult status then you get a good and very welcome entry into the world of directing from Tim Burton who makes this even funnier than it probably should have been, his odd style actually improves this to an extent that Pee-wee seems crazy and yet so does everybody else. Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens and Michael Varhol create a screenplay that is pretty nicely done for the movie and although most laughs really are generated from the physical side of Pee-wee, it still is very nicely written.
One of the writers Paul Reubens is of course Pee-wee himself and creates an extremely memorable character who is likable albeit his kind of annoying personality. Reubens recreates his character for the big screen and brings a kind of person who can make both children and adults laugh. I think one big thing about this is really the fact that adults can enjoy this too, I said about Reubens making it funny but also the way in which the jokes are done are in a way in which all ages can laugh and I feel Burton was really the one who made that work.
This movie is as I said before not the very best when it comes to comedy though, some jokes fall a little flat and the movie by the end can feel like a crazy ride where you can't quite remember some of the jokes on show. I did however enjoy the story and that is another thing which makes this a good movie and one that is likable, you don't just have the comedy stuffed in there, but genuinely an interesting story about a guy who loves his bike so much he has to travel far and wide to find it.
So overall a recommendable movie and one you could easily watch again one day, it's nice and snappy and at a running time of 90 minutes it doesn't' feel like a slog in anyway. Tim Burton may be remembered for a long time in the future for making his Gothic and very dark films that although are mostly humorous, they never feel like this one, it isn't exactly dark and is a very basic story, never goes over the top and just feels nice, a good little watch for anyone of any age.
I Know You Are, But What Am I?
strong-122-47888513 October 2014
This may have been a tale about Pee Wee's "big" adventure, but everything about it said "small" to me. It's like the saying goes - "Small things amuse small minds" - And, yes, so, indeed, does this movie.
It sure seemed to me like everything in this garishly loud, flippantly gay movie was being shown to me as if I were all still in kindergarten.
Wearing mascara, face powder, and even lipstick, Paul Reubens' Pee Wee Herman character (with his slight frame and decidedly effeminate mannerisms) came across to me like some sort of frustrated transvestite who would've obviously been much more comfortable wearing 6" stilettos and a frilly dress.
The small-minded mentality and eccentric humour that prevailed throughout Pee Wee's Big Adventure was strictly hit-n-miss stuff which only worked to its advantage about half the time.
For the life of me, I cannot fathom Reubens' Pee Wee character being as popular as he apparently was back in the 1980s. At best, I found his often-bitchy shenanigans to be only marginally amusing, for the most part.
As well, I find it hard to believe that this film of flighty nuttiness was actually directed by the heavy hand of Mr. Gloom & Doom, himself, Tim Burton.
It sure seemed to me like everything in this garishly loud, flippantly gay movie was being shown to me as if I were all still in kindergarten.
Wearing mascara, face powder, and even lipstick, Paul Reubens' Pee Wee Herman character (with his slight frame and decidedly effeminate mannerisms) came across to me like some sort of frustrated transvestite who would've obviously been much more comfortable wearing 6" stilettos and a frilly dress.
The small-minded mentality and eccentric humour that prevailed throughout Pee Wee's Big Adventure was strictly hit-n-miss stuff which only worked to its advantage about half the time.
For the life of me, I cannot fathom Reubens' Pee Wee character being as popular as he apparently was back in the 1980s. At best, I found his often-bitchy shenanigans to be only marginally amusing, for the most part.
As well, I find it hard to believe that this film of flighty nuttiness was actually directed by the heavy hand of Mr. Gloom & Doom, himself, Tim Burton.
One Of The Best Comedies Of All Time
crowes-1886523 April 2020
Why? I DON'T KNOW!!!!
Because it is unexpected, because it comes out of nowhere and surprises you with at least one laugh out loud moment in every scene. Like the more recent Napoleon Dynamite this movie is just fun and good feeling instilling from beginning to end. There are not many movies which make me laugh out loud even one time in their duration but this one gets me once or more per scene every time I watch it. Paul Reubens was a genius whose career was cut way too short by something which would not raise an eyebrow today. Hopefully this movie will always be considered comedy gold as it deserves to be. It's one of my top five comedies of all time.
Because it is unexpected, because it comes out of nowhere and surprises you with at least one laugh out loud moment in every scene. Like the more recent Napoleon Dynamite this movie is just fun and good feeling instilling from beginning to end. There are not many movies which make me laugh out loud even one time in their duration but this one gets me once or more per scene every time I watch it. Paul Reubens was a genius whose career was cut way too short by something which would not raise an eyebrow today. Hopefully this movie will always be considered comedy gold as it deserves to be. It's one of my top five comedies of all time.
Eccentric peculiar Pee-wee character ey?..
tcamyuntoldartist8 September 2023
...well if you ask me the entire world is warped and strange in this typical early Tim Burton film featuring a kinda American Mr. Bean years before the Rowan Atkinson character ever surfaced.
Sure, sure, Pee-wee Herman is the most kiddish, most strangely living individual in this world, but everybody else has got their own kinks and ticks just in different ways. It's absolutely not like the case of Bean where only the star is a misfit.
This movie is one of those i feel of which if i had been a fan as a kid, now i would discover how not so good it really is. It's a bunch of almost dream like nonsense woven together. The fantastical happenings don't come up because Herman's regular clockwork life-style got messed up by his bike being stolen, he just steps outside his street, and boom: ghost riders, menacingly friendly convicts broken out of jail, girls' mute grunt boyfriends pumped up from misheard strangely suggestive sexual innuendo, biker gangs mesmerized by silly dance numbers...
Whatever, a mess of a silly fun dreamy road movie. Why not... but i did not feel it was punchy enough for a 7.0... for me 7 is the entry level to REALLY good movies.
Very likable... somehow. But not that good. Harmless kids movie (again, sexy innuendo for adults aside), i was expecting a sort of Bill & Ted heart and cool, but i just found heart.
Sure, sure, Pee-wee Herman is the most kiddish, most strangely living individual in this world, but everybody else has got their own kinks and ticks just in different ways. It's absolutely not like the case of Bean where only the star is a misfit.
This movie is one of those i feel of which if i had been a fan as a kid, now i would discover how not so good it really is. It's a bunch of almost dream like nonsense woven together. The fantastical happenings don't come up because Herman's regular clockwork life-style got messed up by his bike being stolen, he just steps outside his street, and boom: ghost riders, menacingly friendly convicts broken out of jail, girls' mute grunt boyfriends pumped up from misheard strangely suggestive sexual innuendo, biker gangs mesmerized by silly dance numbers...
Whatever, a mess of a silly fun dreamy road movie. Why not... but i did not feel it was punchy enough for a 7.0... for me 7 is the entry level to REALLY good movies.
Very likable... somehow. But not that good. Harmless kids movie (again, sexy innuendo for adults aside), i was expecting a sort of Bill & Ted heart and cool, but i just found heart.
Um...
Thalia763 January 2010
Today was the first time I ever watched this movie (at the age of 33) and my guess is that if you're over 10 when you watch it for the first time, it's just stupid and silly. Pee-Wee got on my nerves with his his giggling and antics after about half a minute. Sure, he has a cool house and his dog is cute, but that's about it.
I love Tim Burton and I love quirky characters, weird stories and children's movies, but this was too much. Just over the top.
Bottomline is, if you haven't grown up watching this movie and loving it, it probably isn't for you. And Pee-Wee is a terrible actor. Somehow I didn't believe in his character at all from the very start. It would have been much better with a different actor because the story has potential and (to me) he is the one who ruined it. Not being American I had never seen him before in anything else, so the same goes here. If you haven't grown up knowing and loving him, this movie is just stupid. I'm sure I would have loved it as a kid and would therefore still like it today, but the 90 minutes I invested in watching this have been a waste of time.
I love Tim Burton and I love quirky characters, weird stories and children's movies, but this was too much. Just over the top.
Bottomline is, if you haven't grown up watching this movie and loving it, it probably isn't for you. And Pee-Wee is a terrible actor. Somehow I didn't believe in his character at all from the very start. It would have been much better with a different actor because the story has potential and (to me) he is the one who ruined it. Not being American I had never seen him before in anything else, so the same goes here. If you haven't grown up knowing and loving him, this movie is just stupid. I'm sure I would have loved it as a kid and would therefore still like it today, but the 90 minutes I invested in watching this have been a waste of time.
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