This is just one of those films for me.
Pee Wee's Big Adventure not only marks the big screen debut for Paul Reuben's character of Pee Wee Herman, but also the directorial debut for one of the most original figures in hollywood for the next 20 years, Tim Burton.
I've said in the past that I am an enormous fan of Tim Burton. While he might be considered to be inconsistent filmmaker as of the past 10 years, in his early years he crafted some of the most creatively entertaining pieces of cinema. And this being his debut film is no exception.
The plot is very simplistic. Pee Wee Herman's bike has been stolen and he embarks on an epic journey to reclaim his most prized possession. On the way he encounters a fugitive on the run, a biker gang and he learns the cold hard truth about the Alamo's basement.
The reason this film works so well is for the reason I just said: The plot is basic and uncomplicated. With this, the film focuses more on making a consistent stream of memorably funny sequences and hysterical one-liners instead of a twisting and turning storyline. And with Paul Reubens himself and acclaimed SNL cast member Phil Hartman co-writing the script, you can be sure that the comedy is not in scarce supply.
I'm kind of a tough sell for comedies. Not many movies or TV shows can make me truly laugh out loud. And the ones that can generate a chuckle out of me can rarely continue to make me when I re-watch them. That is not the case with Pee Wee's Big Adventure. I laugh harder every time I revisit this this film!
If you had to ask me what my favorite part of this film is, I would have to think about that for a bit because there are so many iconic scenes that instantly stick out when I think of this film like the breakfast machine, the Alamo, Large Marge, and of course the dance sequence at the biker bar. They are all so memorable because of how goofy they are and maybe that's why this film appeals to me so much. It might come off as episodic to some, but I didn't mind.
Many, if not all great directors have a particular style you can see through their films that tell you off the bat who this film was directed by. Usually it takes many directors a few films before you can see a pattern develop in their filmmaking. That is not the case with Tim Burton. You can instantly see that this film has Burton written all over it. From the creepy dream sequences to the iconic score from none other than Danny Elfman himself, this is Tim Burton at his prime and most bizarre.
Final Report: Pee Wee's Big Adventure is, in a word: Bizarre. It's a film that I had a tough time reviewing because I couldn't think of much else to say aside from, "It makes me laugh." It's a peculiar piece of 80's nostalgia that I highly recommend to everyone. What can I say? It's just one of those films.
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