Pee-wee's Big Adventure1985
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: 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.
Pee-wee's Big Adventure Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Pee-Wee Herman
as Dottie
as Francis
as Simone
as Mickey
as Tina
as Andy
as Hobo Jack
as Mario
as Neighbor
as Chip
as Chuck
as Sergeant Hunter
as BMX Kid
as BMX Kid
as BMX Kid
as Policeman
as Policeman
as Butler
as Mr. Buxton
as Francis' Accomplice
as Amazing Larry
as Gang Member
as Mme. Ruby
as Highway Patrolman
as Large Marge
as Trucker
as Man in Diner
as Bus Clerk
as Cowboy
as Cowboy
as Biker
as Biker
as Biker
as Biker
as Biker Mama
as Kevin Morton
as Studio Guard
as Movie Lot Actor
as Movie Lot Actress
as Director
as Mother Superior
as Japanese Director
as Tarzan
as Kid
as Kid
as Fireman
as Policeman at Pet Shop
as Reporter
as Reporter
as Photographer
as Reporter
as Hobo
as Hobo
as Hobo
as Pierre
as `P.W.'
as `Dottie'
as Terry Hawthorne
as Himself [uncredited]
as Mario
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Critic Reviews for Pee-wee's Big Adventure
All Critics (45) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (6) | DVD (6)
"Pee-wee's Big Adventure" isn't a movie but a collection of found objects from the garbage heap of low culture...
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.
Fair warning: this movie could induce terminal boredom in adults and rot the minds of the young.
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.
Fed by comic tributaries perhaps, but Pee-Wee Herman comes over as a delightful original.
You have been warned.
Audience Reviews for Pee-wee's Big Adventure
Often too juvenile to bear, but for the other moments it's mostly just pure, exuberant fun. Full review later.
Super Reviewer
Tim Burton's "Peewee's Big Adventure" is arguably scarier than it is funny, blending the darkness and lightness together, and I absolutely loved that contrast. The odd visuals and the bubbly soundtrack make this film a joy to watch, even though sometimes it forgets what kind of film it is trying to be, throwing in random jump scares. The story is simple, Peewee's bike is stolen and the film is his journey to bring it back. It is a very fun tale that many films after have clearly been influenced by. Some people may be turned off by it's two-sidedness, but I loved that about it. The art direction is really commendable and is what I'll remember this film most for, and of course, the Peewee character. This is an extremely fun movie!
Super Reviewer
The start of Tim Burton's great directing career. "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" is odd, funny, and entertaining. So many iconic moments, from the Alamo to Large Marge to Pee-wee's trek through Hollywood. I also love how Danny Elfman's score perfectly syncs to the film. The screenwriters did a great job with the script by creating truly memorable characters and scenes. Add Burton's quirky directing skills and what we get is one humorous adventure. Mickey: Well, I lost my temper and I took a knife and I uh-. Do you know those "Do Not Remove Under the Penalty of Law" labels they put on mattresses? Pee-wee: Yeah. Mickey: Well I CUT one of them off!
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. |