Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is the first film directed by Tim Burton and is written by the leading actor, Paul Reubens. It’s an oddly funny film, one that has a certain sense of humor attached to it that only a certain type of people will enjoy. If any random person were to watch it, the first thing that would pop into their head would probably be that the movie was stupid, and I’ll be the first to admit it. But it’s not the kind of stupid that makes people never want to watch it again. It’s the kind that makes you want to watch it on repeat.
The film follows Pee-Wee Herman, an extremely eccentric man who treasures his bicycle. However, while shopping for parts for it, he finds it missing from its chain lock. Pee-Wee goes on a search across multiple states looking for his prized bike. Along the way, he meets many funny and bold characters: a ghost named Large Marge, a biker gang called Satan’s Helpers, and
a waitress named Simone. Considering it was Burton’s directorial debut, it actually holds up quite well today, even compared to some of the director’s other offerings like Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice. Even though it isn’t as fast-paced or intriguing as some of his other films, it’s still a good movie that many will enjoy, even though it’s not really like his other movies.
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure certainly has a lot to like about it. It has a good premise, funny writing, and great action sequences that will leave you wanting more. My favorite scene of the entire film was the scene where Pee-Wee is being chased by Warner Bros. Studios security after taking back his bike. He’s seen riding through multiple different sets, such as a North Pole set, a Japanese monster movie set, and a set from a Twisted Sister music video, among others. Other funny scenes include Pee-Wee visiting the Alamo, helping a criminal escape capture, and riding a bull in Texas. In that scen
e, he gets knocked out, and when he is asked if he remembers anything, he remarks, “I remember…the Alamo.”. Last night was my second time seeing this film and I’ll have you know that if I were to rank Tim Burton’s films (which maybe I’ll do one day), this would probably be in my top 10. While the film is extremely sluggish at times, it all leads to an exciting climax and a satisfying ending.
I would recommend Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure to anyone who enjoys a good comedy film, but also one who likes a thrilling and grand adventure. I’m going to give Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure an A-.
Stay on the lookout for my next Tim Burton review, 1988’s Beetlejuice. I’ll be reviewing all of the director’s films in order of release (except for the two Batman films which you can read my reviews of below).
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure stars Paul Reubens, Elizabeth Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger, Lynne Marie, John Paragon, Judd Omen, Alice Nunn, and Phil Hartman. Directed by Tim Burton.
