Pee-wee's Big Adventure
1985, Kids and family/Comedy, 1h 30m
46 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure brings Paul Reubens' famous character to the big screen intact, along with enough inspired silliness to dazzle children of all ages. Read critic reviews
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Pee-wee's Big Adventure Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Pee-wee Herman
Dottie
Francis
Simone
Terry Hawthorne
Biker Mama
News & Interviews for Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Critic Reviews for Pee-wee's Big Adventure
All Critics (46) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (40) | Rotten (6)
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"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" isn't a movie but a collection of found objects from the garbage heap of low culture...
January 2, 2018 | Full Review… -
Reubens always lets us feel superior to his creation, and when his character slips, as it does more than once in this first feature outing, his own condescension shows through.
February 9, 2010 | Full Review… -
Fair warning: this movie could induce terminal boredom in adults and rot the minds of the young.
February 9, 2010 | Full Review… -
Burton's first feature revels in the weird, the unpredictable, the infantile and the absurd. A dazzling debut.
February 9, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Children should love the film and adults will be dismayed by the light brushstrokes with which Paul Reubens (one of three credited screenwriters, but star-billed under his stage name, Pee-wee Herman) suggests touches of Buster Keaton and Eddie Cantor.
February 9, 2010 | Full Review… -
Fed by comic tributaries perhaps, but Pee-Wee Herman comes over as a delightful original.
February 9, 2006 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Pee-wee's Big Adventure
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Jan 07, 2021Pee-wee's Big Adventure is one of those films that will test your patience with the central character. Paul Reuben never managed to shake off the character and it remains his most recognised character after all these years. The film was a slight hit at the box office but the strength of the film lies in its craziness. Tim Burton was in his infancy as a filmmaker but he gives this film more creativity and showcases an early talent to create something unique. The first 10 minutes was a little rough as I had to get my head around the Pee-wee character but after that the film managed to settle into one of the cult gems from the era. I'm shocked I hadn't found this film earlier and it's a lost gem for collectors like myself. The plot allows the film to go any out there storyline and that's what makes this film great. 07/01/2021Brendan O Super Reviewer
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Sep 03, 2016It's tough to enjoy something when every aspect of the film is strictly aimed at impressing children. Without heart, any sign of intelligence, or a cohesive plot, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure is one big dud. There's nothing here for people over 7 years old. I like Tim Burton a lot. He always brings such a unique vision and style into every film he directs or produces. In fact, Big Fish is one of my all-time favorite films. So when I decided to look back at his filmography in preparation for Miss Peregrine later this month, I was excited to sit down and watch what I hadn't already seen. Sadly, Pee-Wee is lacking all of the nuances that make his later work so special. It's easily one of his weakest films. Of course I was aware going in that Pee-Wee isn't for everyone. In fact, there aren't many Burton films that appeal to everyone, but there has to be some joy in watching a ridiculously silly comedy for 90 minutes right? Or perhaps a side character that will be more memorable than the mess that is Pee-Wee himself? Maybe even a nice message that doesn't totally undermine the unique style of Burton? If I'm being honest, there's nothing redeemable to this story. Pee-Wee apparently owns the world's most sought after bike and it's unfortunately stolen, so he must muster up the strength and devotion to find it, at whatever cost. It's a journey that could have been as good as the legendary trip Ed Bloom took in Big Fish. Or at least as funny as Beetlejuice. I was hoping it would at least poke fun at its insane premise and give us a good laugh or two, but it never hits the way it should. To put it bluntly, these are adults who are playing roles that should be played by kids. It honestly gets to unwatchable point when Pee-Wee constantly gets distracted by every person he meets and spends 15 minutes doing nothing efficient and progressing the story in the absolute slightest. Realistically, it doesn't bother me that this movie is awful. I'm not the intended audience, but nor is it for 99% of the public. I'm sorry Tim Burton, I love your work, but I cannot stand everything about Pee-Wee. -Adults acting like kids -In unwatchable ways -Meandering plot does nothing to benefit story -Absurd premise turns out to be worse than it sounds 21/100Thomas D Super Reviewer
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Mar 20, 2016It's an enjoyable film that young children would probably like. I didn't think this film was that funny. It had some funny scenes, but it didn't make me laugh out loud. It was also kinda creepy and at some moments scary.Tarin P Super Reviewer
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Sep 27, 2015It's such an imaginative comedy and one that exists entirely in a realm of big, goofy, unapologetic fantasy. Ruebens' performance is utter perfection.Alec B Super Reviewer
Pee-wee's Big Adventure Quotes
| Francis: | Why don't you make me? |
| Pee-Wee Herman: | I don't make moneys, I only train them. |
| Pee-Wee Herman: | There's a lotta things about me you don't know anything about, Dottie. Things you wouldn't understand. Things you couldn't understand. Things you shouldn't understand. |
| Dottie: | I don't understand. |
| Pee-Wee Herman: | You don't wanna get mixed up with a guy like me. I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel. So long, Dott. |
| Pee-Wee Herman: | I meant to do that. |
| Pee-Wee Herman: | It's like you're trying to unravel a giant cable-knit sweater and someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting... |
| Pee-Wee Herman: | It's like you're trying to unravel a giant cable-knit sweater and someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting. |
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