Comments on: Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:57:05 +0000

AR: I respect everything you added. When I mention Paul Reubens to someone and they make a dopey reference to his run-in with the law, I don’t even consider it worthy of a response. So much creativity and wit went into the production of the Pee-wee universe that if you can’t at least appreciate the set design, or Larry Fishburne as Cowboy Curtis, I feel sorry for you.

By: AR

AR — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:54:22 +0000

Mars Attacks!, now there’s a silly little amusement. I can agree with you on that, for sure! My favorite Tim Burton films are Ed Wood, Batman Returns, and Edward Scissorhands Pee-wee for me is only marginally a Burton film as it's really Reubens's show. I like the original HBO special as well. To see the character in a more adult context is interesting and brought to the fore what was lurking there when I saw the kids' show and movies as a kid (the production design on that show btw is fantastic!).

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Mon, 26 May 2008 09:12:22 +0000

Christian: The Pee-wee Herman Show: Live at the Roxy Theater was finally released on DVD in 2006. Thanks for making me look that up and add it to my queue. What's interesting is that Reubens skewered the Pee-wee universe more to kids as he went through the '80s. The stage show is so jokey and intended to amuse adults, whereas the Saturday morning TV show obviously had kids in mind. For me, the first movie is the perfect balance of both.

By: christian

christian — Mon, 26 May 2008 07:49:17 +0000

You know, I think this is a fun film, but not a real Pee Wee Herman film. I still think his HBO special is his best showcase and is utterly surreal, charming and hilarious. Where’s the DVD?

By: Joe Valdez

Joe Valdez — Mon, 26 May 2008 02:19:19 +0000

Shahn: In August 2005, around 3,000 people showed up for a screening at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I wasn't there but understand Reubens, Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger and others were on hand to introduce the movie to much excitement. But you're right, not many people would rate Pee-wee's Big Adventure as one of the best films of the '80s. I would rather watch this than a Wim Wenders film any day. Thank you for paying me such a flattering comment. It means even more considering the artistic pedigree and singular style on display at your site. Moviezzz: Man, I love hearing things like that. Every time I feel like the future is doomed, I see a 5-year-old eating up Bugs Bunny or a movie like this one that doesn't pander just to kids or try to sell them something, but actually creates its own universe, style and pathos. AR: Thanks for commenting. Among all of Tim Burton's films with the exception of Edward Scissorhands this may be my favorite, while Paul Reubens has never been better doing Pee-wee than here in this film. It's nearly a perfect movie and for me it transcends being a silly little amusement. Mars Attacks!, now there's a silly little amusement.

By: AR

AR — Sun, 25 May 2008 22:58:19 +0000

Well, I wouldn’t venture to give it 5 stars, but it’s definitely a lot of fun. That scene you mention, especially, is one of my favorites.

By: Moviezzz

Moviezzz — Sun, 25 May 2008 16:37:16 +0000

Great review. Always loved it.

And I’m happy to say, my sister has started showing this to her almost 5 and 2 year olds. They LOVE it. So, it will live on for future generations.

By: shahn

shahn — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:07:01 +0000

Thanks for covering this – I LOVE this film. It doesn’t often get the respect it deserves.

And I love visiting your site for all your research and these Robert-Osborne-esque reviews. Keep up the good work.