This is an adventure story about a silly rebel and his bike. Celebrating 35 years, it's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure! Starring, of course, Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and directed by Tim Burton. By the way, this is the very first major film where Tim Burton takes the role as a director. Surprised, aren't you? Think of this as a prototype for Tim Burton.
Funny cartoon-like, child-like man, Pee-Wee Herman, loves his amazing red bicycle. He loves it so much, he wouldn't sell it to his rich bully neighbor, Francis Buxton. But one day, in broad daylight, Pee-Wee's beloved bike gets stolen! (Or in this case, bike-napped!) Upset that his prized procession was stolen, Pee-Wee goes on a cross-country quest to find his red bicycle. Along the way, he meets new friends and enemies like an escaped prisoner named Mickey, a waitress with a heart of passion, a jealous boyfriend and a mysterious trucker. Pee-Wee travels all across America to places like the Alamo, and the Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood (which ironically is the film studio that released this movie.) You'll laugh your shoes and socks off while watching Pee-Wee go on this big wild adventure for his awesome bike. Look out for cameos by Morgan Fairchild, Twisted Sister and Milton Berle.
It's a huge surprise that Tim Burton directed this movie. Thank goodness he did, because it's not that creepy for kids like any other Burton movie and it's fun for the whole family. I really like this movie because it's cute and hilarious. Pee-Wee (Paul Reubens) was totally wacky and just as childish as a five-year-old. You could say he matured a little through the course of the movie, but Pee-Wee is still a likeable character. Let's talk about his bicycle. If you ask me, that bicycle is a work of art. It's bright red and full of crazy decorations and very retro looking. If I knew how to ride a bike well, I would want a bike like Pee-Wee Herman's. Overall, great comedy for all ages. Give it a watch if you're a Tim Burton fan and if you love Pee-Wee Herman.
PARENTS GUIDE: This movie is rated PG. There's a few kissing scenes and there's a mention of being in heat. Pee-Wee looks at a woman through X-Ray glasses. We don't see what he sees, but he winks at the woman. The chase scenes could be somewhat violent, just don't try the stunts at home. There's a scene where bikers talk threats on how to hurt/kill Pee-Wee. Pee-Wee uses the word crappy in one scene. Twisted Sister's song contains the phrase: "Burn in Hell". Also, there's some nightmare scenes that could scare younger children. Like a huge scary dinosaur devouring Pee-Wee's bike, and a group of clown doctors and devils destroying the bike.
DID YOU KNOW?: Elizabeth Daily, who played Dottie, would later go on to voice Tommy in Nickelodeon's Rugrats and Buttercup in Cartoon Network's Powerpuff Girls. Many of the movie's props belonged to Paul Reubens. This was the second time the Warner Bros. backlot was used in a comedy film. The first was Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, also made for Warner's.
DID YOU KNOW?: Elizabeth Daily, who played Dottie, would later go on to voice Tommy in Nickelodeon's Rugrats and Buttercup in Cartoon Network's Powerpuff Girls. Many of the movie's props belonged to Paul Reubens. This was the second time the Warner Bros. backlot was used in a comedy film. The first was Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, also made for Warner's.
