Pee-wee's Big Holiday

After a number of years of silence, actor Paul Reubens brought back his Pee-wee Herman character for this Netflix exclusive movie. You might think that during all those years of keeping his iconic character out of the limelight, Reubens would have come up with a storyline for a new movie that would be more original, but that's not really the case. This movie's story feels VERY much like the 1985 movie "Pee-wee's Big Adventure", with a number of individual scenes and moments having a strong deja-vu feeling. Even the titles of the two movies have a strong similarity! But I guess what really matters is whether this new movie is funny or not. Well, it moves along at a brisk pace, it's never dull, and there are some genuinely amusing moments here and there, some coming close to the old Pee-wee magic. But quite often the gags feel like weak humor cut out of the script from the 1985 movie. I think another reason why the movie is not as funny as it should be is that director John Lee is no Tim Burton, though in fairness he was working with a somewhat limited budget. I will give the movie this, however: It's better than "Big Top Pee-wee".

This one really brought back memories for me. Pee Wee Herman has been gone for far too long. I am very happy to see Paul Reubens making Pee Wee Herman movies again. What happened to that poor man was SO UNFAIR! He never really did anything wrong and he paid a huge price for it.

If you hated the old Pee Wee Herman movies, this one will not turn you into a fan. But for those of us who loved this character, this movie is a real treat.

Yes, it is corny and goofy, but isn't that what Pee Wee Herman is supposed to be? It doesn't have any profound messages, it is just a lot of fun and a movie that you can watch with your kids.

A fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny.

This movie is not going to knock your socks off, and it never quite reaches the level of "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure", but it is still a fun movie with plenty of interesting characters and situations. If this film is as successful as it seems to be (the reviews are generally positive), I hope they get another one going soon. With Judd Apatow and Paul Rust on board, Pee-Wee is back! I did find it interesting that they kept the celebrity factor rather low. With the names attached, they could have had an endless stream of celebrity cameos, but it was minor. More or less, it was a string of actors who are better known for their faces than their names. (Many times throughout the film I had to look up different actors to make the connection, such as Farmer Brown being the same actor who played Ted's father in "Bill and Ted".)

Pee-Wee's Big Holiday is bizarre and ridiculous. However, if you're a fan of the old Pee-Wee movies, you'll probably enjoy this one. Paul Reubens is noticeably older, but it still feels like the same old Pee-Wee Herman. This movie didn't make me laugh out loud, but it did make me smile a few times.

Pee-wee Herman: The iconic and ever-funny man-child returns (and it only took 28 years!!!) in thee superbly zany "Pee-wee's Big Holiday". I found this to be nearly as good as "Pee-wee's Big Adventure", nearly. This is an extremely fun and fast-paced comedy (unlike the epic misfire that is 1988's "Big Top Pee-wee") that will make you grin from beginning to end. Just like the almighty first film 30+ years ago, this is an epic "road movie" and he has some utterly hilarious, side-splitting encounters along the way. I won't get into plot specifics just watch it for yourself and marvel at the fact, that Paul Reubens is every bit as convincing as Pee-wee Herman today, as he was in the 80's. I've been a Pee-wee fan since the mid-80's so I can say with confidence that I know my stuff.

As hinted at above, Paul Reubens really knows his character and with the exception of a few instances, early in the film, where his voice seems to sound a bit off (to low in pitch) his performance is all but perfect. It's truly amazing how well Reubens has aged over the years, he's nearly 64 YEARS OLD! and yet he still looks the part. Looking as though he's aged only about 15 years, since making the first film over 30 years ago! I find it baffling that some reviewers are saying he's too old looking to keep playing the role. They are certainly mistaken to think that. Indeed, people just like to quibble and bitch, even when there isn't anything to quibble and bitch about - that I've noticed. Cut out the negativity people, because: Pee-wee still has it! A true one-of-a-kind character perfectly crafted and refined by a comic genius.

It's too bad Tim Burton didn't direct this movie, but John Lee did a good job none the less. Musically speaking, the soundtrack is effective, but not overly memorable; a shame Danny Elfman also didn't show up for The Big Holiday, because I just adore Danny's Pee-wee music. Apparently one of the guys from Devo did the music and like I say said effective but not terribly memorable, not like what maestro Elfman would have composed. Like many fans, I'm still holding out hope for a grand return of the team of Reubens/Burton/Elfman to some day make the best ever Pee-wee Herman adventure. Hope it happens some day. Tick-tock tick-tock tick-tock - for time is not infinite.

In closing, if I were to rate the 3 Pee-wee films, Big Adventure stills reigns as number 1, close behind is Big Holiday firmly in second place, and it beats the pants off the terribly disappointing Big Top Pee-wee the definite loser of the three - it takes the bronze.

PS - I have to address this, as it does bother at times, to see just how many people, evidently, do not know how to properly spell his name. Even after !!35 YEARS!! of being in the public eye. It's "Pee-wee" NOT: Pee-Wee or Pee Wee, drop that capitol on the "w" damn-it and don't forget to add the hyphen. Well that's done........

and please............KEEP MAKING THESE MOVIES PAUL!